Historic Los Angeles Mayoral Race: Nithya Raman Wins, Defeating Incumbent Karen Bass

Raman Claims Mayoral Victory

Raman spoke to supporters in the Fairfax District on Thursday night after her projected win. She said restoring Angelenos’ faith in City Hall would be a priority. Bass announced her concession earlier that day, reporting that she had phoned Raman with congratulations. The last successful challenge to a sitting Los Angeles mayor came in 2005, when Antonio Villaraigosa defeated James Hahn.

Campaign Took Shape After Primary

Raman, a Democratic socialist, advanced from June’s primary after surpassing Spencer Pratt. Bass and Raman emerged as the leading candidates, ahead of Pratt, and went on to face each other in November.

Housing Work And Future Plans

In 2025, Raman introduced a proposal to limit yearly rent increases for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments built before 1978. The motion passed by a 13-2 vote, and she has said she wants to pursue similar efforts for small businesses.

In her victory speech, Raman recognized Bass’s decades of work for Los Angeles. Bass said she intends to make the race her final campaign after more than 20 years in public office, including service in Congress and as the city’s 43rd mayor.

Reactions To The Result

Bass entered politics in 2004 in the California Assembly, where she became the first Black woman to lead a state legislative body as speaker. She left in 2010 for Congress and served in the House for 12 years.