Nithya Raman’s Los Angeles DSA endorsement faces review over BDS stance
Nithya Raman, a candidate for Los Angeles mayor, is facing criticism from the local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter that endorsed her because she does not personally support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The dispute could put the endorsement at risk and has exposed disagreements between the chapter and DSA national leaders over the endorsement process and who has authority to review it.
The chapter says it failed to ask Raman about BDS as required by an internal rule, describing the omission as an oversight. Raman has called BDS a legitimate form of peaceful protest and defended individuals’ right to boycott Israel, but has not endorsed the movement herself. National DSA leaders are expected to consider whether to suspend the endorsement or seek clarification; local co-chairs argue that reversing the membership’s vote would breach the group’s procedures.
In short
- Raman’s DSA endorsement is under review over her position on BDS.
- The local chapter says it overlooked a required question during the endorsement process.
- National leaders are expected to consider suspending the endorsement.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The chapter has a duty to apply its own endorsement rules consistently, and asking candidates about BDS may be important to members who regard Palestinian rights and non-violent pressure as central political commitments. Reviewing the endorsement could clarify Raman’s position and uphold the process, particularly since the chapter acknowledges it omitted a required question; national oversight may help ensure the rules are followed.
The case against
Members voted to endorse Raman, and overturning or suspending that decision over an omission by the chapter could disregard their choice and undermine the group’s procedures. Raman has defended the right to boycott Israel and described BDS as legitimate peaceful protest, even though she has not endorsed the movement, so opponents of reversal may see a review based on her personal stance as an unfair test applied after the vote.
Explained simply
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a political organisation with local chapters and national leaders. Its Los Angeles chapter endorsed Nithya Raman, a city council member running for mayor, after a vote by its members.
BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, a movement that calls for economic and other pressure on Israel. Raman has defended people’s right to boycott Israel and described BDS as a legitimate form of peaceful protest, but has not said she personally supports the movement.
The dispute raises questions about how the local chapter’s endorsement rules should be applied and who can review a decision made by its members. It also reflects disagreement within the DSA about the endorsement process.
Elections Middle East Politics World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Ultrawoke mayoral candidate’s endorsement from LA socialists is in jeopardy as they fume she doesn’t go far enough to boycott Israel”.