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Magic Johnson Endorses L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for Reelection

The late endorsement tests celebrity pull in a primary with many voters still undecided.

Overview

  • Karen Bass shared a video of Magic Johnson urging voters to give her a second term and praising her work on homelessness and public safety.
  • The endorsement drew swift pushback, with Richard Grenell calling it “beyond pathetic” and arguing the city is in poor shape.
  • Commentators pointed out Johnson lives in Beverly Hills, a separate city whose residents do not vote for the Los Angeles mayor.
  • The backing highlighted a split close to the Lakers, as owner Jeanie Buss reportedly donated the maximum $1,800 to challenger Spencer Pratt.
  • An April UCLA Luskin poll put Bass at about 25% with roughly 40% undecided ahead of the June 2 primary, leaving the impact of Johnson’s nod uncertain.