Democratic socialist Rae Huang challenges LA Mayor Karen Bass for mayoral seat

Democratic socialist candidate Rae Huang has launched her campaign for mayor of Los Angeles against Democratic incumbent Karen Bass.

“I am thrilled and very honored to announce that I am running for mayor of Los Angeles, the second largest city in our country,” Huang wrote on her Instagram account on Saturday. “After more than 20 years of building on my calling to serve God through social justice work and organizing, this path led me, in these uncertain times, to take the unusual path of pursuing my calling by running for mayor to finally see through the changes that the Los Angeles social justice movement and I have been building for years.”

The 43-year-old community organizer and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) wrote that her campaign would focus on universal housing, free transportation, climate resilience and affordability, issues that resemble New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s initial campaign.

SOCIALIST WAVE SPREAD FROM COAST TO COAST AS HISTORIC VICTORIES ROUND 2025 MAYORAL ELECTIONS

Democratic socialist candidate Rae Huang criticized the leadership of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

She wrote that she also aims to take on what she calls the city’s “establishment.”

“For the past decade, I have worked with Los Angeles organizers and neighbors on solutions for our city. Now is the time to implement them. I will run against the establishment and the billionaire class and will not accept any money from corporations,” Huang wrote.

HOUSTON’S DEMOCRATIC MAYOR SLAMS MAMDANI, SAYS THEY’RE IN ‘DIFFERENT UNIVERSES’

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Huang avoided direct comparisons to Mamdani, but added that she hoped to gain the endorsement of the local DSA chapter, which celebrated Mamdani’s victory.

Rae Huang’s campaign promises mirrored New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign earlier this month. (Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo)

She expressed disappointment with Bass’s leadership on homelessness and the summer’s recent political violence, calling his new campaign “a moment for change.”

“We are in a place in our country and in our political environment where people feel stuck and afraid,” Huang said. “They feel like nothing is going to change and things that change only make things worse.”

FLASHBACK: MAYOR KAREN BASS WAS CONSIDERED BY BIDEN AS THE TOP VP CHOICE, SALUTED BY OBAMA AS “OUTSTANDING”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Huang and Bass’ office for comment.

Over the past year, more progressive candidates have challenged incumbent Democrats across the country.

Progressive activist Katie Wilson (left) defeated Seattle Democratic Party incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell (right) in a recent election. (Katie Wilson Campaign/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Last week, progressive activist Katie Wilson successfully defeated Democratic Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. Like Mamdani, Wilson advocated for government-supported grocery stores, higher taxes on the wealthy, and more affordable housing.