Nithya Raman defeats incumbent Karen Bass in Los Angeles mayoral election
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Urban planner Nithya Raman won the Los Angeles mayoral race with just over 52% of the vote, unseating incumbent Karen Bass who received 48%. The result reflects a dramatic shift in the city’s Democratic electorate toward a more activist, left-wing agenda.
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, highlighting the growing sway of hard-left activists in city politics.
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," even as voters signaled impatience with the current direction of local government.
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 outcome marks a sharp rebuke to the city’s previous leadership and the policies many residents believe failed to deliver results.
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, though critics may see her victory as a sign that Los Angeles voters are willing to gamble on a more ideological approach. 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 prospect of a more activist city hall.