Magic Johnson Gushes Over Karen Bass, Praises Her As Doing ‘A Tremendous Job’
Former professional basketball player Magic Johnson praised Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday for doing a “tremendous job” during her tenure.
Johnson said in a video posted to the Bass’ X account that he chose to support his 2026 re-election campaign in part because “I’m going back with her probably 30 years,” before listing several of Bass’s supposed accomplishments in the role. He added that Bass “must have a second term, and I’m delighted to say that.” (RELATED: Karen Bass withdraws from mayoral forum after failing to escape blame for mutilating LA wildfire response)
“Look, you’ve taken on a difficult job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and we appreciate all of your efforts 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.
Magic Johnson has been my friend for over 30 years. His belief that I am changing Los Angeles means everything to me.
Magic invested his heart in this city long before anyone asked him to – through investment, through community, through showing up. I am deeply honored to… pic.twitter.com/wlcwdcjmLg
– Karen Bass (@KarenBassLA) May 10, 2026
Bass’ post notes that Johnson has been her “friend for over 30 years.”
“His belief in how I am changing Los Angeles means everything to me,” Bass added. “Magic invested his heart in this city long before anyone asked him to – through investment, through community, through showing up. I am deeply honored to have his support.
Richard Grenell, s.special envoy of the president for special missions of the United States, blasted Johnson’s endorsement of Bass in a Sunday X article, calling him a “bit’s really pathetic. »
“Los Angeles is in dire shape and you want Karen Bass re-elected because she’s your friend?!” » Grenell continued. “What a selfish move.
Beyond the pathos, @MagicJohnson.
Los Angeles is in dire shape and you want Karen Bass re-elected because she’s your friend?!
What a selfish gesture.
– Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) May 11, 2026
Johnson also endorsed Bass in the city’s 2022 mayoral race, the Los Angeles Sentinel reported. He has owned several lavish estates in the Los Angeles area over the years, Architectural Digest reported in April 2023.
Bass drew criticism over her administration’s handling of the deadly January 2025 wildfires. She also faced backlash for her trip to Ghana as fires ravaged the city, leaving an estimated 200,000 residents displaced.
Additionally, Los Angeles is currently grappling with a massive homeless crisis. In 2025, there were 15 California counties with fewer residents than the homeless population of Los Angeles County, the LA Times reported. In 2023, there were more than 75,000 homeless people in the county.
A poll from the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles, released in early April, found that 40 percent of likely voters are currently undecided ahead of the city’s June 2 mayoral primary election. The survey shows Bass leading with 25 percent support, with former reality TV star Spencer Pratt at 11 percent and Democratic City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in last place with 9 percent.
Tech entrepreneur Adam Miller and progressive housing advocate Rae Huang each received 3% support, while another 9% said they planned to support a different candidate.
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