DSA issues ominous warning to Nithya Raman over radical agenda: ‘We’ll bring the fight to her’

The Long Beach chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has warned Los Angeles mayor-elect Nithya Raman that it will hold her to the movement’s priorities, saying it would “bring the fight to her” if she does not govern as a “true democratic socialist”. The statement highlights tensions between Raman’s election as a milestone for the group and members’ concerns that her positions and decisions may fall short of their expectations.

The chapter said it expects action on tenant protections, housing, public safety outside policing and labour rights, and questioned Raman’s record on Palestine, policing and special interests. It criticised her approach to the city’s mansion tax and raised concern that she may retain LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, despite previously pledging to replace him. Raman kept the DSA endorsement by one vote shortly before the election; her campaign manager has also credited labour unions and other allies for her win.