Karen Bass Receives Key Endorsements from Human Rights Campaign, Korean American Democratic Committee, Mexican American Bar Association

Yesterday Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) received endorsements from a wide range of diverse groups including the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), and the Mexican American Bar Association (MABA).

“The Human Rights Campaign PAC is honored to support Karen Bass (D) for the U.S. House from California’s 33rd District,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “As a member of the California Assembly, Bass had an impeccable record on equality issues, including her votes for marriage equality and for a resolution opposing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; Bass also worked to defeat Proposition 8. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has a staunch ally in Karen Bass, and we are proud to stand with her in her run for Congress.” The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the nation with over 75,000 members and supporters.

“We are delighted to be endorsing the candidacy of Karen Bass,” said Alex Cha, President of KADC. “We know that she will promote the interests of the 33rd Congressional District as our next Congresswoman.” The KADC has served the Korean American communities of Southern California since 1992, conducting voter education campaigns, voter registration drives, and hosting forums and debates for candidates and community leaders.

"Karen Bass has not only effectuated MABA’s mission throughout her career, but her years of service and advocacy have benefited all sectors of the community," said Judy Perez, President of MABA. "Her professional experience and her fearless, yet humble, leadership make her the best candidate for the 33rd Congressional District." The Mexican American Bar Association is one of the largest and most prominent Latino bar associations in the nation; committed to the advancement of Latinos in the legal profession and the empowerment of the Latino community.

“I am honored to be endorsed by such a diverse set of organizations,” said Bass. “Their approval of my candidacy is a testament to how important is to bring groups together to form a common ground so that we may tackle the tough issues that we face.”

As Speaker, Bass was able to deliver bipartisan results such as protecting 600,000 children from losing their healthcare, restoring the governor’s cuts to domestic violence programs and helping Californians remain eligible for continued federal unemployment benefits. She also took savings from the Assembly’s budget and gave them to help speed unemployment claims in the state.

Bass launched her congressional campaign two months ago after the incumbent, the Honorable Diane Watson, announced her retirement and subsequently endorsed Bass. In addition to Representative Watson, Bass has received endorsements from Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Controller Wendy Greuel and other elected officials and organizations including EMILY’s list.