L.A. Mayoral Election: Who In Hollywood Voted For Karen Bass And Who Voted For Rick Caruso
Katy Perry is taking heat for a voting-booth photo she posted to Instagram revealing she cast her Los Angeles Mayoral race vote for billionaire developer Rick Caruso.
“l am voting for a myriad of reasons (see the news) but in particular because Los Angeles is a hot mess atm,” wrote Perry in the post.
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Caruso is running as a Democrat in overwhelmingly Blue L.A. County, but he was a registered Republican until recently. Perry, who performed for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, was quickly and widely criticized for the post, on which the comments were disabled.
In reaction, comedian Travon Free tweeted, “As much as the right try to spin it, Katy Perry voting for Rick Caruso is not an indication of anything other than a rich white woman voting for a fake democrat who will ultimately have no effect on the quality of her life but will worsen the lives of many others.”
In a race that has tightened into a virtual dead heat per the most recent L.A. Times-U.C. Berkeley poll, a number of prominent figures in Hollywood have issued what amount to election-day endorsements.
Mark Hamill, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kerry Washington, Alyssa Milano, Norman Lear, Rosario Dawson, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Sheryl Lee Ralph all posted endorsements of current U.S. Representative Bass in the past 48 hours.
Yesterday, Chris Pratt also got heat for voicing his support for Caruso
“I’ve lived in LA for over 20 years. It’s been great to me. In that time I’ve seen what many residents here have seen, the city’s gradual decline into pain and utter disarray,” Pratt wrote on his Instagram Story. “If you live here, you know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“If you’re an LA voter, I urge you to vote for @rickcarusola. He’s a builder. He knows how to get s*** done. He’s the guy for our city. Rick Caruso for LA Mayor.”
In addition to Pratt, those voicing support for Caruso in the final hours are Paris Hilton, Lisa Vanderpump and Mario Lopez.
Celebrity endorsements, while usually non-determinative, might actually have an impact in a race that was too close to call as election day opened.
In the late-October L.A. Times poll Bass, who has led throughout the race, was ahead 45% to 41% among likely voters. But the margin of error of that poll was 4 points, making it a toss up. Furthermore, 13% of those surveyed said they were still undecided.
Among Bass’ other supporters are political heavyweights like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris as well as Common, Natalie Portman, John Legend, Jane Fonda, America Ferrera, Aloe Blacc and Alfre Woodard.
Jeffrey Katzenberg has helped bankroll an independent expenditure committee to support Bass, contributing $1.85 million to the effort, which has also drawn donors like Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams, along with Westfield Property Management, Caruso’s shopping mall rival.
Caruso’s previous endorsements include Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk, Gwyneth Paltrow, Snoop Dogg, Scooter Braun, Jessica Alba and Pratt’s mother-in-law Maria Shriver.
Netflix’s Ted Sarandos recently issued a letter outlining his reasons for backing the developer.
“The entire machine of the Democratic Party had aligned for a candidate that is part of the very system that is failing this city,” wrote Sarandos.
I'm humbled and honored to have the support of President @BarackObama because he understands the gravity of the crises in Los Angeles.
We must bring unhoused Angelenos inside immediately and make this city safer and more affordable for all.
Join us: https://t.co/536QOyOzG3 pic.twitter.com/Gvb2nAHbEZ— Karen Bass (@KarenBassLA) October 29, 2022
.@KarenBassLA is in a very close race for LA mayor because her opponent has spent $100 million covering up the fact he’s not qualified.
So, let’s lift up Karen by spreading the word on why she’s the best choice for LA Mayor!
Here are just a few reasons: pic.twitter.com/ow1VbmED5W— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) November 8, 2022
This race is super tight and every vote matters. If you want Los Angeles to be different than it is today, the choice is clear with @RickCarusoLA. Change is critical to the city’s future. It’s up to us – let’s go! https://t.co/bJ9GSHxhVi
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) November 4, 2022
Yes it’s raining… if you didn’t go out every time it rained in England, you would be a hermit. Get out there and vote and let’s turn Los Angeles around. I truly believe that Rick Caruso will get the job done. We fed the homeless every week for 12 years from our restaurant vb
— Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) November 8, 2022
LET’S GO @RickCarusoLA!!! pic.twitter.com/mbMqTRktsF
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) November 6, 2022
I'm voting for @KarenBassLA for Mayor of Los Angeles.
I'll let the @latimes tell you why. https://t.co/Lrlu0lrR6s— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) November 8, 2022
I voted for @KarenBassLA & I liked it…! #VoteBlueToSaveDemocracy #LOVE Please text ROSARIO to 63033 to find your polling place… & stay in line if you have to! Let your vote ring louder than your silence! #MarchToThePolls @votolatino @amazonwatch pic.twitter.com/fDQeaWKxZA
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) November 8, 2022
The headline I would’ve chose is @KarenBassLA STILL leads in the Los Angeles Mayoral Race — because she DOES! But more importantly YOUR vote can get her over the top. Your ballot is already in your mailbox, just hand it back to your mail carrier!💙 https://t.co/d0KelSvKGd
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) November 7, 2022
Let’s do this! #Vote https://t.co/uzvkzfXzYX
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) November 8, 2022
Los Angeles voters…
Do not be fooled by slick Rick Caruso, the fake Democrat, longtime Republican, and the Donald Trump of Los Angles.
Vote for @KarenBassLA— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) November 5, 2022
Los Angeles is fortunate to have someone like Rick Caruso running for mayor. He’s awesome.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2022
Hey LA, it’s time to VOTE. I am on a two day bus tour w/ @kymwhitley & @ArevaMartin tour talking to voters all over Los Angeles about why they should vote for @KarenBassLA BOYLE HEIGHTS thank you for your beautiful energy. We can do this if we work together! #KarenBassforMayor pic.twitter.com/7h3rsMXlya
— Alfre Woodard (@AlfreWoodard) November 6, 2022
This is one of LA’s most important mayoral races ever…and I have seen a lot of races in my 100 years. Karen Bass is the one true, lifelong, pro-choice Democrat who shares our values. She is the only candidate in the race with a record of getting hard things done. pic.twitter.com/plD5Nmq8cy
— Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) November 8, 2022
If Kellyanne Conway is endorsing Rick Caruso, you KNOW there's a problem!!! I'm with @KarenBassLA. https://t.co/vZ789HsrVI
— Kym Whitley (@kymwhitley) November 4, 2022
Karen Bass for Mayor.
LOOK AT THIS LOS ANGELES!
LOOK AT THESE ENDORSEMENTS! pic.twitter.com/bIKiwSqJVa— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 8, 2022
Celebrities also endorsed candidates nationally or simply urged Americans to get out and vote.
“Remember to vote today! It’s Election Day in the United States,” wrote Taylor Swift on social media. “This year, more than any year in modern history, the Midterm Elections will affect our access to fundamental rights, basic reproductive healthcare, and our ability to make our government work for us.”
Barbra Streisand, Martin Sheen and Ken Burns are among those who have filled inboxes with urgent voting and fund-raising appeals. “The future of our country and democracy would depend on the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections,” wrote Jeff Goldblum, who also was featured in an email from Democrat John Fetterman’s U.S. Senate campaign in Pennsylvania.
“Forget what side you are on. Nevada needs a sane person in the Senate,” Jimmy Kimmel said in an ad spot that was as much a “non-endorsement” for Republican Adam Laxalt as it was an endorsement of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
On the right, there was some buzz over Chuck Norris’ endorsement of Republican Blake Masters, seeking to unseat Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). “Chuck Norris knows the results in Arizona before Fox News,” Masters’ campaign wrote in announcing the endorsement.
Others who’ve gotten involved include Oprah, Madonna, Diplo, Lynda Carter, Tyler the Creator, Amber Tamblyn, Washington and Shriver.
It turns out Dr. Oz was not one of Oprah's favorite things pic.twitter.com/0tYKNqdxIB
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) November 4, 2022
Yess!! @blackvotersmtr @uniteherephilly keep knocking those doors #wewontblackdown pic.twitter.com/1gFFQLnvTD
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) November 7, 2022
Make your voices heard………..VOTE TODAY!!!!
— Madonna (@Madonna) November 8, 2022
HAPPY VOTING! From @SIfill_:
If you run into any trouble or confusion at the polls today, you can call the civil rights Election Protection hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE. To report intimidation or other potential violations of law the DOJ @CivilRights has a hotline: 1-800-253-3931 pic.twitter.com/PaW5kkubWY— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) November 8, 2022
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) November 7, 2022
As we listen to news outlets saying they will tell us everything we need to know today, what we need to know above all is this: our vote matters. No one’s vote matters more than yours.
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) November 8, 2022
I voted for @SadhguruJV.. lemme know who u voted for in the comments and make sure to tell everyone else why they wrong pic.twitter.com/VrLgXFFZ0O
— diplo (@diplo) November 8, 2022
🗳TODAY’S THE DAY VOTING NERDS! 🗳
Here’s a video and a reminder for some of your rights while casting your vote. Get thee to the polls and VOTE! pic.twitter.com/Opots89eZz— Listening in the Dark ✨Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) November 8, 2022
ME: "If you're a fan of mine, #TheBoys or #Supernatural, & especially if you're a young person, PLEASE PLEASE VOTE. This is your future!"
THEM: "Kripke you cuck, no one wants to hear your political thoughts, shut up & go back to making your highly political TV show." @TheBoysTV pic.twitter.com/YizzHEhpRw— Eric Kripke (@therealKripke) November 8, 2022
Election Day! I’m heading to the voting booth in pink! Women are the supermajority & we hold the power to make meaningful change. Today is your last chance to vote in the midterms. VOTE! #VotingSuitsYou @argent @supermajority @iwillharness pic.twitter.com/sB9F4vJ3xy
— ♥ Gloria Calderón Kellett ♥ (@everythingloria) November 8, 2022
get cha vote on really
— T (@tylerthecreator) November 7, 2022
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