Karen Ruth Bass (/ˈbæs/; born October 3, 1953) is an American politician and social worker serving as the U.S. representative for California's 37th congressional district since 2011. The district, numbered as the 33rd district for her first term, covers several areas south and west of downtown Los Angeles. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served for six years in the California State Assembly, the last two as Speaker.