Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has secured the endorsement of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the largest union for film and TV workers, as she campaigns for reelection.
Union Support for Bass
Joining other industry unions like the Hollywood Teamsters and the American Federation of Musicians Local 47, IATSE has thrown its support behind Bass, the incumbent Democrat. Bass is campaigning during a period of contraction in the industry, with lawmakers under pressure to increase subsidies to retain production in California.
Bass has expressed support for removing the $750 million cap on the state’s tax credit for production. “We can get our industry back, but we really do have to have a commitment,” Bass told Variety. She emphasized the need for aggressive efforts to retain film and TV production in Los Angeles.
Challengers and Their Support
Despite Bass' endorsements, progressive councilwoman Nithya Raman has attracted significant Hollywood support, including donations from celebrities Natalie Portman, Ayo Edebiri, and Will Forte. Raman has personally contributed $60,000 to her campaign, aiming to place in the top two in the upcoming June 2 primary.
Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV career, has gathered backing from figures like Bobby Kotick, Lucian Grainge, and Haim Saban, alongside support from reality TV producers and director Brett Ratner.
Bass' Campaign Strategy
To appeal to Black voters, Bass’ campaign has enlisted Samuel L. Jackson for radio ads, where he endorses her leadership. “This city doesn’t have small problems, so it damn sure doesn’t need small, weak leadership,” Jackson states in the ad.
All candidates, including Bass, Pratt, and Raman, support an uncapped state tax incentive for film production. At a recent debate, Pratt criticized both Bass and Raman for not doing enough to retain the industry, blaming them for Hollywood's decline.
Raman argues that Bass has been slow in appointing a “film czar” to advocate for the industry at City Hall. Bass, however, asserts that her office has responded to the industry’s needs, claiming she has fulfilled requests to streamline permitting and reduce fees.
Industry and Union Recognition
The California IATSE Council praised Bass for her efforts to cut red tape and her support for tax credits, highlighting her collaborative relationship with the union. Labor groups, including Laborers Local 300, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, are also financially backing Bass.
The Motion Picture Association, representing major studios, contributed the legal maximum of $1,800 to Bass’ campaign, as it typically supports incumbents.
Bass cites her experience as Assembly speaker, where she helped pass the state’s first production tax incentive in 2009, as a testament to her dedication to the industry. “I feel confident that we can maintain our industry,” she said, optimistic about ongoing progress.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/politics/news/karen-bass-iatse-endorsement-mayor-1236754365/
