Nithya Raman defeats incumbent Karen Bass in Los Angeles mayoral election
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Urban planner and city councilmember Nithya Raman won the Los Angeles mayoral race with just over 52% of the vote, unseating incumbent Karen Bass who received 48%. The result points to a growing demand among the city’s Democratic voters for a more ambitious, left-leaning response to housing, homelessness, and affordability.
Nithya Raman, a city councilmember since 2020, was elected mayor of Los Angeles on Thursday, receiving just over 52% of the vote while incumbent Karen Bass garnered 48%, according to the Associated Press. Raman entered the race shortly before the filing deadline after previously endorsing Bass, and her campaign gained momentum over the summer with support from the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, reflecting the rising influence of organized progressive politics in the city.
Raman addressed supporters in a video statement after the count, saying, "I love this city and I love its people. And I cannot wait to get started on building a better future together with all of you." She also praised Bass as "someone who has given decades of her life to making the city what it is today," while signaling that voters were looking for a sharper break from the status quo.
Bass, who had not previously lost an election, conceded and said, "While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken. I have called councilmember Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I have committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs from all of us." The result underscores how deeply frustrated many residents remain with the city’s entrenched crises.
The election took place amid ongoing challenges for the city, including homelessness, rising housing costs, and a budget shortfall. Raman campaigned on lowering rents, improving streets, reducing homelessness and enhancing public safety, a platform that resonated with voters demanding concrete action rather than incremental promises. Her primary victory over reality-TV personality Spencer Pratt, who ran as a Republican, helped solidify her position.
Supporters celebrated Raman’s win outside the Greek Theatre, with voters like Max Rico, a high-school teacher, expressing optimism about the mayor’s focus on affordable housing and the possibility of a more people-centered city government.