Raman wins LA mayorship in upset over Bass

Nithya Raman defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass to take control of Los Angeles, a result that surprised many political observers in California. Raman, a democratic socialist and city council member, entered the race as a long shot against a former U.S. Representative who had never lost an election for public office. The outcome ends Bass’s tenure as the city’s first Black female mayor.

The path to this result began with the aftermath of the 2025 Los Angeles fires. Those blazes killed dozens of people and destroyed neighborhoods across the area. Bass faced heavy criticism for her absence during the emergency and the city’s disaster response. Raman’s campaign capitalized on that anger, framing the current administration as a broken status quo that repeatedly failed residents. She gradually built a base of support, particularly among younger voters, after defeating reality television star Spencer Pratt in the primary earlier in the year.

Bass acknowledged the loss on social media on Thursday. She said she called Raman to concede and wrote that the people of Los Angeles have spoken. Bass urged a shared commitment to moving the city forward and stated she would continue working to ensure residents can pursue a better life.

Raman campaigned on a platform focused on changing how the city is governed. Her stated priorities included reducing homelessness, expanding housing, and preserving Hollywood jobs amid continuing industry cuts. She also promised to protect residents from immigration enforcement efforts. Additional goals in her campaign included improving roads, beautifying the city, and reviving the local nightlife scene.

The victory places Los Angeles among the largest U.S. cities led by democratic socialists. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Washington, D.C. Mayor-elect Janeese Lewis George also hold similar political views. President Donald Trump commented on these results at the White House. He said, “If you go by history, it's going to be a disaster.” Republicans have frequently targeted such candidates in their attacks.

Raman will assume office with major events on the city’s horizon. Los Angeles is preparing to host the Super Bowl in 2027 and the Summer Olympics in 2028. Bass, who had longstanding community ties, previously worked as an organizer during the 1992 riots that followed the police beating of Rodney King.