Nithya Raman Wins Los Angeles Mayoral Race, Defeating Incumbent Karen Bass

Councilmember Nithya Raman emerged as the next mayor of Los Angeles after a vote count showed her with 52% of the ballots cast, ahead of incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who received 48% with 76% of the expected votes tallied. Raman, 45, thanked voters in a video statement, noting her respect for Bass’s decades of service to the city. > "Los Angeles, I’m deeply honored to be your next mayor," Raman said.

Bass, 73, conceded the race in a statement, acknowledging the election outcome and pledging a smooth transition. > "While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken," she said, adding that she will work to move the city forward.

Raman’s victory marks the first time in more than two decades that an incumbent mayor in Los Angeles has been unseated, the previous instance occurring in 2005. Her campaign, supported by progressive groups, emphasized a generational shift, drawing strong support from younger voters, while Bass performed better among older constituents. Analysts described the result as a new coalition based on age rather than geography or race.

Raman, who entered the race shortly before the filing deadline, highlighted her platform of improving city services, promising faster repairs to sidewalks, potholes and streetlights. She will assume office on Dec. 8 with an annual salary of $310,000. The city council is expected to schedule a special election to fill her vacated council seat.