Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) is facing mounting backlash over her response to the wildfires that have torn through her city, raising questions about her own political future as the region continues to struggle to contain the fires.

Critics point to Bass’s decision to travel out of the country ahead of the wildfires after she vowed not to go abroad before taking office, as well as for approving a budget that decreased funding for the city’s fire department.

The criticism comes as multiple California officials have faced blame for the wildfires, which have taken the lives of at least 24 people. But Bass has faced some of the fiercest criticism, being the leader of the city as well as a noted progressive who defeated a wealthy former Republican to win the mayoral race in 2022.

“She failed the leadership test,” said one California Democratic strategist. “This is the kind of moment that can be really devastating for a politician.”

Bass has come under more scrutiny than most local California politicians given the fact that Los Angeles has been at the center of the crisis.

On Monday, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong, called the publication’s endorsement of Bass “a mistake,” noting he “thought it was very important early on for me to come out.”

President-elect Trump has attacked both Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over the fires. And, as of Tuesday, a........

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