Could Bob Iger become the next mayor of Los Angeles? One elected official certainly seems to think Disney’s big boss could be the next LA mayor.
California Congressman Ro Khanna, a former supporter of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, is calling for a major change in the city’s leadership. In the wake of devastating wildfires that exposed LA’s lack of preparedness, Khanna has suggested that Disney CEO Bob Iger should step into the political arena and challenge Bass for the mayoral seat.
👀 NEWS: Democratic congressman @RoKhanna says he’s encouraged @Disney CEO @RobertIger to run for L.A. Mayor…and Iger is considering it.
Khanna, who endorsed Karen Bass for Mayor in ’22, says the city needs “new leadership.”
“Bob Iger would be phenomenal…he has the… pic.twitter.com/VPNUtRlSOr
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) January 19, 2025
“Someone who should be running for LA mayor is Bob Iger,” Khanna said. “He’s someone I know very well. He’s the leader of Disney. He’s a remarkable person. He had thought about running for president… And we need a new leadership in the state of California.”
While he had endorsed Bass during her mayoral campaign, Khanna now believes new leadership is essential.
“I’m hopeful [Iger] will do it,” Khanna said. “I don’t know if he will, but I’m hopeful he will.”
Bob Iger | 2019 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony | D23 EXPO 2019. Photo Credit: nagi usano from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Khanna emphasized that Iger’s business acumen could be a game-changer for Los Angeles, during what he described as “a moment of crisis.” He also stated that Iger would be “phenomenal” in the role, particularly as the city prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games.
Khanna confirmed he has spoken directly to Iger about the possibility, noting the Disney CEO’s prior political ambitions.
“He wanted to run for president, and for a number of reasons, I think he didn’t,” Khanna said. “But I want new leadership across the state of California, and we certainly need dynamic leadership in Los Angeles.”
Bob Iger via CNBC Television YouTube
Khanna didn’t mince words about his enthusiasm for Iger as a potential candidate.
“I would support Iger over almost anyone in Los Angeles,” he said.
Under Iger’s leadership, Disney has been no stranger to controversy or politics.
The company’s heavy focus on leftist identity politics and divisive messaging aimed at children has alienated many families and led to the collapse of both Star Wars and Marvel as cultural powerhouses. While Khanna may see Iger as a solution to LA’s woes, Iger’s tenure at Disney raises serious questions about his priorities and judgment.
That said, Khanna’s criticism of Bass reflects broader concerns about her ability to lead the city through its current challenges. The wildfires have drawn significant public outrage, with many questioning why the city was so unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (L-R) The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Chris Pratt attend the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
Khanna’s fears may stem from growing public dissatisfaction with Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom. There could be anxiety within the Democratic party that the backlash could push left-leaning California toward the right.
While Iger’s track record as a corporate leader is mixed at best, his name recognition and business experience could appeal to Angelenos looking for an alternative to Bass while continuing to vote Democrat.
Building burn as a major fire rips through Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills – YouTube, Fox 11 Los Angeles
However, whether Iger would consider running—and whether voters would welcome him—is an open question.
Khanna’s endorsement signals a deepening divide within California’s Democratic leadership and sets the stage for what could be a heated mayoral race. With the 2028 Olympics and the city’s recovery on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Do you think Bob Iger would run for LA mayor? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
