LA Mayoral Race: Raman Defeats Bass in 52-48 Split

Nithya Raman secured 52 percent of the vote in the Los Angeles mayoral election, defeating incumbent Karen Bass in a margin of four points. This result marks the first time Bass has lost an election during her political career. The narrow victory represents a decisive shift in the city's local power structure.

Raman, a progressive urban planner who has served on the Los Angeles City Council since 2020, entered the race hours before the filing deadline this year. At that time, she had recently endorsed Bass for re-election. Her late entry and the subsequent support from the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America drew frequent comparisons between her campaign and that of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The contest unfolded against a backdrop of national political change. Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in a nationwide rebuke of President Donald Trump's party. In Los Angeles, however, the race was distinct. Both candidates identified as progressives, but they represented different generations and often conflicting wings of the Democratic Party. The campaign became a bitter internal battle rather than a traditional partisan split.

Bass faced low approval ratings comparable to those of President Trump. Voters expressed frustration with the city's management of homelessness, rising living costs, and housing affordability. The Trump administration's deportation efforts also weighed heavily on the region. Additionally, the city faces a substantial budget shortfall, and the Hollywood industry continues to struggle.

Raman positioned herself as a candidate who would address these issues with honesty and urgency. Her platform focused on lowering rents, improving city streets, and reducing homelessness. She struggled in the primary election, where key portions of the liberal base and large unions aligned with Bass. She also faced intense competition from Spencer Pratt, a former reality television star and registered Republican who lost his home in the Palisades fire. Pratt’s campaign featured viral advertisements criticizing both mayoral candidates for their handling of the fire and recovery efforts.

Raman narrowly defeated Pratt in the primary. Her momentum grew after the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter endorsed her. The organization’s national leaders briefly considered rescinding that support until Raman clarified her position on the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement. A vote on that matter failed, allowing the local endorsement to stand. The chapter provided a large volunteer network that canvassed the city for Raman.

Bass intensified her criticism of Raman as fall progressed, narrowing the lead. Raman ultimately prevailed after winning support from voters across the city. The Los Angeles Times reported that Bass called Raman on Thursday to concede the race. Returns showed Raman leading with just over 52 percent of the vote to Bass’s 48 percent.

Supporters gathered outside the Greek Theatre on Tuesday night to celebrate. Max Rico, a high school teacher in South Central Los Angeles, wore a ballot box costume to the event. Rico, who had previously supported Bass, said he was disappointed by her tenure and felt her policies did not help communities in need. He expressed excitement about Raman’s positions on affordable housing, noting that he often saw students leave mid-year as families relocated to areas with lower costs of living.

Rico stated his hope that the new administration would help keep more families in the city. The election result stands as a clear mandate for change in a city grappling with deep structural challenges. The new mayor will take office amid ongoing debates over housing policy and municipal finances.