Karen Bass projected to become the first female mayor of Los Angeles

California Democratic Rep. Karen Bass is projected to win her bid to become Los Angeles's first female mayor, triumphing over fellow Democrat Rick Caruso.

With roughly 70% of the vote in, the Associated Press called the race for Bass, who led Caruso by a 53.1% to 46.9% margin. The race did not include a Republican candidate, though Caruso was previously registered as a member of the party.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both endorsed Bass in the race.

"We are in a fight for the soul of our city," Bass said on election night. "We are going to build a new Los Angeles."

She will succeed outgoing Democratic Mayor Eric Garcetti, who has served since 2013.

The city has faced rising crime, homelessness, and cost-of-living issues that have frustrated residents and driven a modest exodus in recent months.