Progressive Champion Nithya Raman Surges to Second in LA Mayoral Primary, Challenging Establishment
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Progressive councilmember Nithya Raman has overtaken reality-TV figure Spencer Pratt for second place in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, setting up a potential showdown with establishment incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.
Nithya Raman, a dedicated Los Angeles City Council member known for her progressive advocacy, has surged into second place in the mayoral primary, surpassing reality-TV personality and celebrity candidate Spencer Pratt by approximately 3,000 votes, according to the latest tally from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, a figure of the political establishment, remains in first place with about 34.7% of the vote, while Raman, representing a bold vision for social justice and equity, holds 27.1%. Pratt, whose campaign has been marked by celebrity antics rather than substantive policy, has slipped to 26.7%.
The nonpartisan primary will advance the top two candidates to a November runoff unless a candidate secures a majority, a rare occurrence in a city hungry for real change. With about 80% of ballots counted, as reported by the Associated Press, the final outcome remains uncertain as mail-in votes—often favoring progressive candidates—are still being processed.
Raman issued a statement expressing gratitude to the thousands of Angelenos who have powered her grassroots campaign, saying the team is “encouraged by the latest vote count and remain grateful to the thousands of Angelenos who have powered this campaign.” Her campaign has been fueled by volunteers and everyday residents seeking an end to corporate influence and a city government that truly serves the people.
In contrast, Spencer Pratt failed to respond to a request for comment, later resorting to baseless insinuations on social media that votes from homeless individuals might have impacted Raman’s total—an unfounded claim that echoes reactionary attempts to delegitimize marginalized voices in the democratic process.
Alex Stack, spokesperson for Mayor Bass, indicated that the upcoming contest could focus on issues such as encampments near schools and law-enforcement staffing, while also mentioning concerns about Hollywood jobs and immigration enforcement—issues that often reflect establishment priorities rather than the urgent needs of working-class Angelenos. The November runoff promises to be a pivotal moment for the city’s future.