Los Angeles DSA Endorses Nithya Raman for Mayor

The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America endorsed City Council member Nithya Raman for mayor of Los Angeles on Wednesday. Raman, a member of the organization, is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the current election cycle. The endorsement passed with more than 60 percent of voting members, following internal debates over Raman's recent distancing from the group regarding the mansion tax and her statements on the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Raman entered the race just before the filing deadline, promising to improve government efficiency. She previously supported Bass during the 2022 mayoral race.

Mayor Karen Bass's campaign responded by criticizing Raman's policy record. Campaign spokesman Alex Stack highlighted Raman's opposition to certain homeless encampment rules and her resistance to increasing the Los Angeles Police Department's budget, stating these are positions she now fully owns. The Los Angeles DSA chapter co-chair Sean Wakasa stated that thousands of members are ready to organize and build power to shake up the city's future.