Jane Fonda, Anthony Anderson and more celebs wade into LA mayor race

Jane Fonda and Anthony Anderson are just a few of the celebrities who’ve weighed in on Los Angeles' competitive mayoral race, where an incumbent mayor faces a progressive challenger as the city grapples with homelessness and affordability.

Both Mayor Karen Bass and Nithya Raman have been forced to defend their records throughout the race — Bass may be the mayor, but she’s pointed out that Raman was already serving on city council before she was elected. Clearing encampments, staffing up the Los Angeles Police Department and creating affordable housing have repeatedly been at the forefront of an election that could end with an incumbent being defeated — a first in more than two decades.

Several celebrities have publicly backed Bass in videos shared by the mayor’s campaign in recent weeks.

“The guys in Washington don’t like her because she has empathy, she has focus, and because she works for people and not for corporations,” Fonda said in a video.

The activist and award-winning actress said she loved Bass and called the mayor a “woman of the people” who knows how to govern. Fonda said this isn’t a career, but rather a calling for Bass.

Cedric the Entertainer said he’s known Bass for many years, including when she served in the California Legislature and in the House of Representatives.

“She is the right person for the job,” he said in a video.

Actor Anthony Anderson highlighted the California Film & Television Tax Credit, with its first iteration adopted in 2009 during Bass’ tenure as speaker of the California State Assembly, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.

“I’ll take the person who built the bridge over the person that’s promising one,” he said.

“Community” star Yvette Nicole Brown called Bass a daughter of Los Angeles in her video supporting the mayor.

“I’m supporting this principled woman, this daughter of Los Angeles, because she understands this city and what we’re going through,” she said. “Her opponent does not.”

Meanwhile, Raman’s campaign has led the city councilmember to work with Brennan Lee Mulligan, a popular comedian and writer known for his work with Dropout and Critical Role, and sit down with celebrity real estate broker Jason Oppenheim of “Selling Sunset” to talk homelessness. In September, an ad for Raman featured the voice of "Better Call Saul" star Bob Odenkirk, too.

Campaign contributions for Raman show donations under the names Tig Notaro, a comedian, and Paul W. Downs, writer and actor of “Hacks.”

Where to vote in LA

You can find ballot drop box locations and look up your polling location on the California Secretary of State’s website.

When do we vote for midterms 2026?

Early voting is underway in Los Angeles County for the midterms, meaning you can return your ballot sooner than Election Day. Election Day is on Nov. 3.

When is the last day to vote by mail in California?

Registered voters can vote by mail until polls close on Nov. 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. If you’re mailing your ballot on Nov. 3, get a manual postmark from a U.S. Post Office employee.

Is Election Day a federal holiday?

Election Day is not a federal holiday. However, if you don’t have enough time outside of working hours to vote in a statewide election, California law lets you take up to two hours off to vote without losing pay, according to the California Secretary of State.

Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].