Karen Bass (D-Calif., 33rd Congressional District)

Karen Bass

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW/PAC) proudly endorses Karen Bass for the U.S. House of Representatives. Bass is campaigning for the seat vacated by the retirement of longtime NOW supporter Diane Watson.

Bass made history when she was elected to serve as the California Assembly's 67th speaker and became the first African-American woman in the country to fill this powerful state role. Since she took office in 2004, Bass has brought change and results to her constituents in Los Angeles.

Bass is a strong supporter of NOW's issues. She helped pass legislation in favor of same- sex marriage and expanded anti-discrimination laws. She also introduced legislation which would increase wage discrimination penalties, require maternity services coverage and health insurance coverage of HIV testing, and prohibit gender-based health insurance pricing. Bass also supports abortion without restrictions.

In addition to her five years as an elected official, Karen Bass served the public for decades in many other capacities. Bass founded and ran Community Coalition, a social justice organization in South Los Angeles that empowers residents to get involved and make a difference in their community. In addition to her 14 years as executive director for Community Coalition, Bass has a long history as an activist, creating change on both a local and national level. NOW looks forward to having Karen Bass as an ally on Capitol Hill.

For more information about Karen Bass see her website.

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