Nithya Raman defeats incumbent Karen Bass to become Los Angeles mayor

Councilmember Nithya Raman has been declared the winner of the Los Angeles mayoral election, unseating two‑term incumbent Karen Bass. The latest figures released by the Los Angeles County Register‑Recorder/County Clerk show Raman leading with 429,450 votes, or 52.10% of the counted ballots, while Bass trails with 394,796 votes, or 47.90%, as of 72% of votes tallied. Bass publicly conceded the race, praising the electorate’s decision and promising a smooth transition.

Raman’s victory follows a tightly contested race that saw the lead shift multiple times on election night. Early tallies gave Bass a narrow edge, but late‑arriving ballots—particularly those from younger voters and renters—favoured Raman, allowing her to overtake Bass late on Thursday and extend her margin into a 4.2% lead by the following morning.

Background

Nithya Raman entered Los Angeles politics in 2020 when she won a seat on the city council, defeating an incumbent Democrat in what was described as the first council turnover in 17 years. Her win was notable for being the first DSA‑endorsed victory in the city and for breaking a long‑standing pattern of incumbency. Raman, an urban planner with degrees from Harvard and MIT, became the first Asian‑American woman and the first South Asian to serve on the council, securing re‑election in 2024.

Her 2026 mayoral campaign was launched in February, initially positioning her as a long‑shot behind reality‑TV personality Spencer Pratt. However, Raman quickly gained momentum, drawing support from voters dissatisfied with Bass’s handling of issues such as the 2025 wildfires, projected Olympic costs, and broader quality‑of‑life concerns. Endorsements from high‑profile Hollywood figures—including Tina Fey, Adam Scott, Mindy Kaling, and Colin Jost—bolstered her profile among the entertainment community.

Polls in the fall reflected a competitive race. A Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll on October 28 showed both candidates tied at 40% support. Throughout the campaign, Bass emphasized public safety and criticized Raman for opposing police funding and anti‑camping measures, while Raman argued for fresh leadership unbound by established City Hall relationships.

Why it matters

Raman’s election adds Los Angeles to a growing list of major U.S. cities—alongside New York and Washington, D.C.—that have elected leaders identified with democratic socialism. The shift signals a broader appetite for progressive policies among urban voters, particularly younger demographics and renters who favored Raman’s platform.

The new mayor’s priorities, as outlined during her campaign, include revitalising film and television production in Hollywood, addressing homelessness through initiatives like the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, and pursuing urban planning solutions rooted in her professional background. Her victory also underscores the influence of Hollywood’s progressive donors, who contributed significantly to her campaign.

For the incumbent, Bass’s concession highlighted her legacy as the first Black woman mayor of Los Angeles and her commitment to a peaceful handover. The transition will involve coordination between the outgoing administration and Raman’s team to maintain continuity on city services and ongoing projects.

What happens next

Following Bass’s concession, Raman is expected to begin forming her mayoral administration. While specific cabinet appointments have not been announced, she has indicated an intention to move quickly to heal divisions that emerged during the campaign. The final vote count is still pending, with additional ballots slated for processing later on Friday. Once all votes are certified, Raman will be formally sworn in as mayor, beginning her term amid heightened expectations for progressive reforms in the city’s governance.

The election outcome also sets the stage for upcoming policy debates in Los Angeles, particularly around housing affordability, public safety funding, and the city’s role in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games. Stakeholders across the political spectrum will be watching how Raman translates her campaign promises into actionable city policies.