Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Replaces Campaign Strategist Four Months Before Runoff

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced on June 24 that Julie Chávez Rodriguez will replace Douglas Herman as her campaign's top strategist four months before the November runoff election. " Chávez Rodriguez previously managed presidential campaigns for former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and held senior roles in the Obama and Biden administrations.

The campaign described the change as a shift from primary to runoff strategy rather than a response to internal problems. Chávez Rodriguez brings national Democratic experience and organizing ties to Latino communities, organized labor, and grassroots groups.

Campaign veterans note that leadership changes late in an election cycle are not uncommon when candidates adjust messaging and turnout efforts for a head-to-head contest.

Bass finished first in the June 2 primary with roughly 34 percent of the vote, ahead of Raman at 29 percent and Spencer Pratt at 26 percent. Prediction markets at the time of writing gave Bass a 62-63 percent chance of victory. Pre-primary surveys showed a fragmented field.

A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted May 19-24 placed Bass at 26 percent, Raman at 25 percent, and Pratt at 22 percent within the poll's three-point margin of error.

The same Berkeley survey found nearly two-thirds of Los Angeles voters believe the city is headed in the wrong direction. Issues cited include homelessness, housing affordability, public safety, and the city's response to the 2025 wildfires. Raman has sought to expand support among progressive voters, younger residents, and housing advocates favoring increased development.