Democratic Socialist Also Wins LA Mayoral Race

[Financial News] Nithya Raman, a progressive urban planner and Los Angeles (LA) City Council member, defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass to win the mayoral election in Los Angeles, California.
The result reflected deep public dissatisfaction with the city’s administration, bringing a major shake-up to LA politics.
On the 5th (local time), the Associated Press reported that Raman had clinched victory with at least 52% of the vote, beating Mayor Bass, who received just 48%.
Raman, who has served on the LA City Council since 2020, announced she would enter the primary only shortly before the deadline to register her candidacy early this year. She had initially supported Mayor Bass’s reelection, and her decision to run was widely dismissed at first as a “reckless challenge.” But her approval ratings surged over the summer, and, with strong backing from the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), she emerged as a leading figure among a new generation of progressive politicians, drawing comparisons with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In the “deep blue” (a Democratic stronghold) LA mayoral race, both Raman and Bass were progressives, but they represented a fierce clash over generational change and factional divisions within the party.
Mayor Bass, who had never lost an election, faced a difficult reelection campaign amid low approval ratings and a backlash against establishment politics. The complex crises facing LA—including soaring housing costs, homelessness, the fallout from the Trump administration’s forced deportations of undocumented immigrants, a slump in the Hollywood industry, and a serious budget deficit—hampered her campaign.
Mayor Bass conceded defeat, saying, “This isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, but I humbly accept the will of LA residents,” and added, “I called to congratulate Mayor-elect Raman and will actively cooperate to ensure a smooth transition of power.”
Raman has campaigned on lowering housing rents, improving urban infrastructure such as roads, tackling homelessness, and strengthening public safety, emphasizing that she is “the right person to address the current crisis honestly and swiftly.”
The primary was not easy. Key progressive voters and major labor unions had already rallied behind Mayor Bass.
Just before the election, the DSA’s national leadership questioned Raman’s position on the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement targeting Israel and considered withdrawing its endorsement, but the proposal was voted down. The LA chapter’s large volunteer network canvassed voters and helped consolidate support.

[email protected] Yoon Jae-joon Reporter