(NewsNation) — California Rep. Lateefah Simon came to the defense of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who faced criticism for being out of the country during the recent wildfires.

“Mayors do travel. Politicians work … and they take delegations,” Simon, D-Calif., told NewsNation. “She came back immediately. She is on-site.”

Bass was in Ghana attending the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama as part of a U.S. presidential delegation when wildfires rapidly erupted this week.

Rick Caruso, a former mayoral candidate, slammed Bass for being overseas. It was “an absolute mismanagement by the city” because this was “a disaster waiting to happen, and what’s predictable is preventable,” Caruso told Fox 11.

But Simon, who entered office just four days ago, came to Bass’ defense. 

“We are united for the residents of California. That’s what this is about,” she said, adding that “it’s not about politics.” 

Simon said the wildfires “hit home” for her, as many of her family and friends have “lost everything.”