LA Mayoral Race Update
Progressive Nithya Raman Advances to November Runoff Against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
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Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has secured a spot in the November mayoral runoff, setting up a surprise showdown against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, according to AP News. The race pits two Democrats — and former political allies — against each other in one of the country's largest cities.
Former Allies Now Competing for City Hall
Raman and Bass were once on the same political team. Now they are rivals. AP News reported that Raman, a progressive council member, advanced out of the primary to face Bass directly in November. The contest is described as unexpected given their shared political history.
Bass has served as mayor of Los Angeles since 2022. She won that race after a high-profile campaign. Raman, who represents the 4th Council District, has built a reputation as a left-leaning reformer focused on housing and homelessness issues.
Raman's Progressive Base Drives Primary Surge
Raman's advance reflects growing energy on the progressive left in Los Angeles politics. She has championed renter protections and alternatives to traditional policing. Her primary performance signals that voters want a sharper challenge to Bass's record running the city.
Los Angeles uses a top-two primary system. The two candidates with the most votes move on — regardless of party. That means both Raman and Bass, both Democrats, now face each other alone in November with no Republican in the race.
Bass Faces Scrutiny Heading Into the Runoff
Mayor Bass has faced criticism over her handling of the city's homelessness crisis and her response to major challenges during her term. The November runoff gives voters a direct choice between her record and Raman's vision for a different direction.
Los Angeles is home to roughly 4 million people. It also has one of the largest unhoused populations in the United States. Whoever wins in November will inherit a city still wrestling with those deep and costly problems.
November Runoff Sets Stage for High-Stakes Vote
The runoff is now set for November. Both candidates will have months to make their case to Los Angeles voters. AP News noted the contest is unusual because it pits two Democrats who once worked together now competing directly for the city's top job.
Raman's advance is seen as a test of how far left Los Angeles voters are willing to go. Bass will need to defend her record while Raman will push to define the race on her own terms. The result could reshape the direction of the second-largest city in America.
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