Disney’s Bob Iger Eyed for LA Mayor Amid Karen Bass California Wildfire Controversy

January 20, 2025  ·
  Marvin Montanaro
Bob Iger

Bob Iger via New York Times Events YouTube

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.

 

“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

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.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger

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.

Bob Iger Chris Pratt

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.

Hollywood Fire

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! 

Author: Marvin Montanaro
Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary. Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture. Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership. He can be reached via email at mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X: http://x.com/marvinmontanaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinmontanaro Facebook: https://facebook.com/marvinmontanaro YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheM4Empire Email: mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com