Bass and Raman Clash in Final Los Angeles Mayoral Debate

Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman faced off Tuesday in their only televised head-to-head debate before the November 3 runoff election. The event, hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo 52 in partnership with Loyola Marymount University, focused on the homelessness crisis, public safety, and the leadership of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.

During the confrontation, Raman characterized Bass as an "MIA" mayor and argued that Los Angeles is in a state of decline. Bass countered by portraying Raman as an inexperienced leader with extreme views, specifically criticizing her voting record regarding police and the removal of encampments near schools.

The candidates also diverged on immigration and housing. While Bass defended her administration's restrictions on city resources for federal immigration enforcement, Raman argued the city failed to sufficiently protect immigrants. On housing, Raman advocated for increased density in wealthy neighborhoods, while Bass defended restrictions intended to prevent displacement. Other points of contention included the city's response to the Palisades fire and the impact of the mansion tax on development.

The debate occurred as a Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll showed Raman leading with 39% of likely voters compared to 28% for Bass, with 33% of voters remaining undecided.