Mayor Karen Bass Faces Nithya Raman in LA Mayoral Race

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is seeking a second term in a closely contested election against City Council member Nithya Raman. The race has developed into a confrontation between two wings of the Democratic party, with Raman receiving the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America and Bass relying on her history as a public official and organizer.

Bass enters the general election facing low approval ratings linked to budget shortfalls, the city's response to the 2025 Palisades fire, and the ongoing homelessness crisis. Raman, a progressive urban planner, entered the race shortly before the filing deadline and advanced to the general election after narrowly defeating Republican candidate Spencer Pratt in the primary.

Both candidates have raised approximately $2.5 million. The campaign focuses on differing strategies to address the cost of living and the housing crisis, as well as diverging views on the conflict in Gaza.