The Hollywood Crew Foundation has come out in favor of Karen Bass’ reelection as mayor of Los Angeles.
The California IATSE Council, the political wing of the state’s IATSE crew union, revealed Wednesday that it is endorsing Bass for the position because of her “ongoing commitment to labor and issues affecting unionized workers.” On the same day, the American Federation of Musicians Local 47, which represents a workforce of professional musicians including those in film and television, came out in favor of the incumbent mayor.
In explaining its support, the California IATSE board cited Bass’s frequent outreach to the union and its efforts to bring film and television productions back to Los Angeles, “more…than anyone else in city government.” The two executive orders she issued as mayor aimed at reducing municipal red tape faced by production companies also pleased the union.
Additionally, the labor group cited Bass’ support for the federal film and television tax credit, her involvement in the industry’s workforce development efforts and her interest in working amid planning for landmark events such as the 2028 Summer Olympics, the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
On behalf of AFM Local 47, President Mark Sizer called Bass “a champion of issues of direct concern to musicians, whether we are performing in films and TV series, playing music on AM/FM radio or playing in live music venues.”
The show of support comes at a critical time for Bass, just under two weeks before the June 2 primary, and with recent polls showing her in the lead, but with former reality TV villain-turned-politician Spencer Pratt close behind. Pratt, a registered Republican running as an independent, raised his campaign issue over Bass’ response to the 2025 Palisades Fire, which destroyed his home with his wife and former co-star. HillsHeidi Montag.
Hollywood has so far been divided in its support of the mayoral candidates. Bass had the support of some classic Hollywood Democrats, including JJ Abrams, Katie McGrath, Magic Johnson, Yvette Nicole Brown, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, producer Jimmy Patricoff, and Johnson Shapiro Silhouette and Cole. Co-Founder Matt Johnson.
But Pratt appears to be attracting some from the executive class and moguls, including Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, Saban Entertainment founder Haim Saban, and music executives Lucien and Elliot Grainge. Meanwhile, Nithya Raman has garnered support from the industry’s largely progressive wing: Natalie Portman, comedians Kate Berlant, Adam Conover, Zoe Lister-Jones, and producer David Mandel are just some of the names who have appeared on Raman’s social media channels or attended fundraisers.
By standing by Bass, some Hollywood crew unions are following in the footsteps of other local labor organizations, including SEIU Local 721, the California Nurses Association, and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, as well as the influential Los Angeles Federation of Labor.
The Hollywood Teamsters, whose membership includes drivers, casting and location directors and entertainment industry animal professionals, have already come out in support of Bass.
In a statement about the endorsement, Bass said that throughout her career she has worked to “ensure that Los Angeles remains the entertainment capital of the world.” “We have simplified permits, cut red tape, lowered fees, and helped expand tax breaks requested by our industry partners. I look forward to continuing this work together,” she added.
