Another aide bolts from Karen Bass’ office as mayor’s revolving-door communications team loses fifth staffer

Another senior communications official has exited the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the latest shakeup in a mayoral press operation that has steadily lost key members over the past year.

Amanda Crumley, who served as Deputy Mayor of Communications, confirmed Tuesday she is stepping away from the administration after just a brief stint at City Hall. Crumley joined the mayor’s office in January, meaning her tenure lasted just over two months.

In a message shared Tuesday with journalist Julia Wick, Crumley said she was leaving to pursue work that would allow for a more balanced lifestyle.

“I decided I want to do something better suited to having a balanced life, which is important to me,” Crumley wrote. “I remain committed in my support for Mayor Bass and look forward to her reelection!”

The Post reached out to Crumley by email and received an automatic reply indicating she was already out of the office. “I am currently out of the office and will not be checking emails,” the message stated.

Crumley’s departure is the latest in a communications shop that has steadily turned over.

Crumley, who served as Deputy Mayor of Communications, confirmed Tuesday she is stepping away from the administration after just a brief stint at City Hall. Charley Gallay

The shakeup began last summer when Deputy Press Secretary Gabby Maarse left the mayor’s office for a communications role with LA28.

Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl, one of Bass’ longest-serving communications advisers, left City Hall on Oct. 17, 2025 after roughly a decade working with the mayor both in Congress and at City Hall.

At the time, Bass announced that communications strategist Samuel Jean would step in as interim communications director following Seidl’s departure. Jean, a former lawyer and communications consultant who advised businesses, nonprofits and political campaigns, was brought in to help lead the mayor’s messaging operation while a search for Seidl’s successor was underway.

Los Angeles Mayor Bass is entering an increasingly high-stakes political stretch at City Hall, with a difficult reelection fight looming. Jonathan Alcorn for California Post

But Jean’s role inside the mayor’s office has since become unclear. He is no longer working out of City Hall and has indicated he is uncertain about his current role. He also does not appear to be publicly listed as part of the mayor’s communications leadership.

Press Secretary Clara Karger has also since left the administration for a job in the private sector.

The turnover comes as Bass enters an increasingly high-stakes political stretch at City Hall, with a difficult reelection fight looming. Battles over homelessness, public safety and city spending are intensifying — and the mayor’s messaging operation is now under growing scrutiny as the campaign season approaches.