Former professional basketball player Magic Johnson praised Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday for doing a “tremendous job” during her time in office.
Johnson said in a video posted on Bass’ X account that he chose to support her 2026 reelection campaign in part because “I go back with her probably 30 years,” before listing several of Bass’ purported accomplishments in the role. He added that Bass “has to have a second term, and I’m excited to say that.”
“Listen, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and all of us appreciate your effort and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store – your vision for the city,” Johnson said in the video.
Bass’ post notes that Johnson has been her “friend for over 30 years.”
“His belief in how I’m changing Los Angeles means everything to me,” Bass added. “Magic has poured his heart into this city long before anyone asked him to — through investment, through community, through showing up. I am deeply honored to have his endorsement.”
Richard Grenell, special presidential envoy for special missions of the U.S., blasted Johnson’s endorsement of Bass in a Sunday X post, calling it “beyond pathetic.”
“Los Angeles is in terrible shape and you want Karen Bass to be re-elected because she’s your friend?!” Grenell continued. “What a selfish move.”
Johnson also endorsed Bass in the city’s 2022 mayoral race, the Los Angeles Sentinel reported. He has owned multiple lavish estates across the Los Angeles area over the years, Architectural Digest reported in April 2023.
Bass has drawn criticism over her administration’s handling of the deadly wildfires in January 2025. She also faced backlash for traveling to Ghana while the fires swept through the city, leaving roughly 200,000 residents displaced.
Additionally, Los Angeles is currently grappling with a massive homelessness crisis. There were 15 counties in California with fewer people than Los Angeles County’s homeless population as of 2025, the LA Times reported. As of 2023, there were over 75,000 homeless people in the county.
A University of California, Los Angeles Luskin School of Public Affairs poll released in early April found that 40% of likely voters are currently undecided ahead of the city’s June 2 mayoral primary election. The survey shows Bass leading with 25% support, with former reality star Spencer Pratt at 11% and Democratic City Councilwoman Nithya Raman last with 9%.
Tech entrepreneur Adam Miller and progressive housing advocate Rae Huang each notched 3% support, while another 9% polled said they planned to support a different candidate.
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