Bass withdraws from LA mayoral forum

SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Karen Bass reacts to latest mayoral debate

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shared her thoughts on the latest debate ahead of the June 2 primary race.

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has withdrawn from participating in a candidate forum scheduled for Wednesday, the co-sponsors announced Saturday.

What we know:

The forum, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, was scheduled to air on May 13. 

Of the five candidates originally invited, three are still slated to appear: Councilwoman Nithya Raman, businessman Adam Miller, and community advocate Rae Huang.

RELATED COVERAGE: FOX 11 to host Los Angeles mayoral forum on May 13

The Bass campaign defended the decision by pointing to her recent debate schedule, noting she debated her "top two opponents twice this week." 

Instead of attending the forum, the Mayor will be in the state capital. 

"Mayor Bass will be in Sacramento that day fighting for funding for housing, homelessness, and Palisades Fire recovery, and will also discuss the city and state partnership on the Olympics and World Cup," said campaign spokesperson Alex Stack.

Candidates for LA mayor square off in 1st debate

The first debate of the Los Angeles mayoral campaign involving each of the top three contenders was held Wednesday with reality television personality Spencer Pratt calling Mayor Karen Bass an "incredible liar."