Nithya Raman Challenges Karen Bass for Los Angeles Mayor

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November 3 election. A Democratic Socialist, Raman currently leads in polling after building a coalition of progressive activists and union members. She argues that Los Angeles is leaderless and suffers from a broken government that fails to provide basic services, such as timely 911 responses and pothole repair.

Raman's platform focuses on auditing homelessness programs, improving infrastructure planning, and creating an office of tenant protection. She entered the race after Austin Beutner, previously the most viable challenger, withdrew following a family tragedy.

Mayor Karen Bass has dismissed Raman as inexperienced and "not ready for prime time," specifically citing the challenges of managing the city before the 2028 Olympics. The contest has been marked by disputes over Raman's previous support for a mansion tax and her shifting positions regarding the police chief.