Samuel L. Jackson, best known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, publicly endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in her reelection campaign on Tuesday.

In a video message, Jackson praised Bass as “someone who understands government.”

“These are the times we need someone who understands government, who also understands the needs of the people,” Jackson said in his message.

“Someone who will go on the streets and gather the people together. Not someone who will divide them. Karen Bass is that person. Karen Bass for mayor.”

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

WATCH:

Bass quickly responded to the endorsement with a social media post thanking her longtime friend.

“Honored to have the endorsement of my dear friend,” she wrote. “Sam has always shown up for the people and causes he believes in – and I am grateful he is showing up for Los Angeles.”

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

In her statement, Bass said that her campaign is focused on getting people off the streets and into housing, creating more affordable housing units, and continuing to lower crime to what she described as “historic lows.”

Jackson’s support for Bass came as the mayor continued facing questions related to a Los Angeles Times report about edits made to the city’s after-action review of the January 2025 wildfires.

According to that report, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s review originally contained critical language describing departmental missteps during the fires, including not fully staffing up and pre-deploying available crews despite extreme wind warnings.

The initial draft reportedly stated that choices made “did not align” with the department’s procedures for red flag days.

It also included notes about some crews waiting more than an hour for assignments and how terms like “failures” were changed to “primary challenges.”

A section that mentioned violations of national firefighter safety guidelines was also removed from the later versions.

The Los Angeles Times said the revisions took place over several drafts, which began under interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva after Mayor Bass dismissed former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

According to the report, people with knowledge of the matter said Mayor Bass directed that certain findings about staffing and deployment be softened to avoid potential legal exposure.

Two sources familiar with Bass’s office told The Times that after receiving the drafts, Bass instructed Villanueva to remove or modify passages that could expose the city to liability.

They said that ultimately, those changes were implemented before the final release.

The newspaper reported that the two sources, both with connections to Bass, claimed they were aware of the mayor’s behind-the-scenes involvement.

One source said Bass “didn’t tell the truth when she said she had nothing to do with changing the report,” while another described a confidant who allegedly warned Bass that making such edits was “a bad idea.”

Those sources also indicated they would be willing to testify under oath if the episode ever reached a courtroom.

“All the changes [The Times] reported on were the ones Karen wanted,” one of the sources said.

Bass’s office denied that the mayor ordered any changes to the report.

Despite that ongoing controversy, Jackson’s endorsement centered on Bass’s leadership and understanding of the city’s needs.

His message emphasized unity and cooperation at a time when Los Angeles continues facing prominent challenges such as homelessness and public safety.

WATCH:

Bass, in turn, linked Jackson’s support to her continued push to bring “change” to the city and reaffirmed her focus on community-based solutions.

The endorsement boosted visibility for her reelection efforts while controversy over the wildfire report remained part of the broader political conversation in Los Angeles.