‘Go out and vote’: Becerra dodges Karen Bass endorsement with mayor by his side

WASHINGTON, DC: In a bizarre on-camera moment, California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra appeared reluctant to endorse Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, despite standing beside her.

Becerra dodged a local reporter's question when asked why Angelenos should vote to reelect Bass.

Californian gubernatorial candidate refuses to endorse fellow Democrat in LA

A video that is now going viral shows California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra dodging a question about why voters should reelect the Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who faced a tough fight from City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in the November 3 election.

Instead of directly answering the question, Becerra urged voters to turn out.

“Well I hope people just go out and vote, that’s the most important thing,” Becerra said.

The reporter asked Becerra again, saying, “But again, the mayor is standing with you — the mayor is standing with you right now, why should Angelenos vote for the mayor? She is standing here with you, not Nithya Raman — this is a unified force.”

“Well, Karen Bass and I go way, way back. We have known each other for a long, long time, and we served together in Congress,” Becerra said.

“You know, politics is one thing, friendships are another thing, and I hope that folks recognize that you can have friendships that far exceed whatever goes on in politics.”

Spencer Pratt calls the video ‘hilariously awkward’

The exchange also drew a mocking response from former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who criticized Becerra for not clearly supporting Bass.

Prat shared the video on X on Tuesday, writing, "This is hilariously awkward. Xavier Basura is standing next to Karen Basura and refuses to endorse her, even after being pressed multiple times. He can't even look at anyone. LMAO That's your sister from another mister, Xavier."

An October 28 poll by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times found Bass and Raman tied at 40% support each, while 19% of likely voters remained undecided.

Bass's campaign focused on issues such as homelessness and affordable housing, as well as her Inside Safe initiative. The program aims to move people from homeless encampments into interim housing, with the goal of helping them transition to permanent housing.

Bass promised voters she would continue working to address homelessness and expand affordable housing if reelected.

On the other hand, Nithya Raman has emphasized affordable housing, tenant protections, and greater accountability for city spending. She has also promised to reduce the number of tents and encampments on Los Angeles streets by at least 50% before the 2028 Olympics.