Left-Wing Councilmember Nithya Raman Overtakes Spencer Pratt in LA Mayoral Primary, Faces Bass in Runoff
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Progressive city councilmember Nithya Raman has edged out reality-TV star Spencer Pratt for second place in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, setting up a runoff against incumbent Democrat Mayor Karen Bass.
Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member known for her far-left policies, has climbed to second place in the mayoral primary, narrowly surpassing reality-TV personality Spencer Pratt by about 3,000 votes, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s latest tally. Incumbent Democrat Mayor Karen Bass leads with approximately 34.7% of the vote, while Raman, who has championed controversial progressive measures, holds 27.1%. Pratt, who ran as an outsider challenging the political elite, has slipped to 26.7%.
The nonpartisan primary will send the top two candidates to a November runoff unless one secures a majority—a scenario unlikely in a city dominated by left-leaning politics. About 80% of ballots have been counted, as reported by the Associated Press, but the final results are pending as mail-in ballots—often favoring progressive candidates—continue to be processed.
Raman issued a statement celebrating the latest vote count and thanking her supporters, saying the campaign is “encouraged by the latest vote count and remain grateful to the thousands of Angelenos who have powered this campaign.” Her campaign has relied heavily on progressive activists and organizations pushing for radical changes to city policy.
Spencer Pratt did not respond to a request for comment, but later suggested on social media that votes from homeless individuals may have impacted Raman’s total, though he did not provide evidence. Such concerns highlight ongoing issues with voter integrity and the influence of special interest groups in Los Angeles politics.
Alex Stack, spokesperson for Mayor Bass, noted that the upcoming runoff could focus on pressing issues such as encampments near schools, law-enforcement staffing, Hollywood jobs, and immigration enforcement—topics that resonate with residents concerned about public safety and the city’s direction. The November runoff will determine whether Los Angeles continues down a progressive path or seeks a return to common-sense governance.