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Democratic socialist Nithya Raman wins Los Angeles mayoral race over incumbent Karen Bass
Nithya Raman, a progressive Los Angeles city councilmember and urban planner, has defeated incumbent mayor Karen Bass, marking a major shift in the city’s politics. Raman’s win reflects voter dissatisfaction with the city’s direction and comes amid broader anti-establishment sentiment in US politics.
The Associated Press called the race on Thursday, with Raman leading by just over 52% to Bass’s 48%. Raman, who entered the contest shortly after endorsing Bass, gained support over the summer, including from the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and its network of volunteers. She campaigned on lowering rents, tackling homelessness and improving city streets, as Los Angeles faces housing pressures, a budget shortfall and other challenges.
In short
- Nithya Raman defeated incumbent Karen Bass in Los Angeles’s mayoral race.
- Raman received just over 52% of the vote.
- She campaigned on housing, homelessness and city services.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Raman’s supporters can argue that voters have demanded a change in direction after persistent housing pressures, homelessness and strained city finances. Her focus on affordability, street improvements and grassroots organising offers a mandate to pursue more ambitious responses to problems they feel have not been adequately addressed.
The case against
Bass’s supporters can argue that governing a city facing a budget shortfall and complex housing and homelessness challenges requires experience and careful implementation, and that a change in leadership may disrupt ongoing efforts. They may also question whether Raman’s ambitious promises can be delivered within the city’s financial and practical constraints, while noting that Bass still won support from nearly half of voters.