Nithya Raman unseats Karen Bass as Los Angeles mayor

Democratic socialist Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Karen Bass to become mayor of Los Angeles, surprising observers after entering the contest as a long-shot candidate. Her victory puts the country’s two most populous cities under democratic socialist leadership, alongside New York, and signals support for a more progressive direction in the city.

Raman, an Indian immigrant and city councillor, campaigned on tackling homelessness, expanding housing, protecting residents from immigration enforcement and addressing local problems. The 2025 fires, which killed dozens and destroyed neighbourhoods, became a major issue after Bass faced criticism over her absence during the emergency and the city’s response. Raman will oversee preparations for the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Summer Olympics; Bass conceded, saying Los Angeles voters had spoken.