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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Democratic challenger Nithya Raman advanced to a runoff election Monday evening in a tight election that has drawn national attention.
The result sets up a general election pitting Bass, who has faced criticism for his record, with Raman’s progressive message of government-led austerity measures.
Voters will decide the tie in a Nov. 3 runoff election.
Raman, a member of the Los Angeles City Council and the Democratic Socialists of America, has served as chairman of the Committee on Housing and Homelessness since 2023. He has also been called the Socialist of Mamdani, referring to the far-left New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
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Los Angeles city councilor and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, left, pictured with incumbent mayor Karen Bass, right. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images; Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
In his view, there is much the city could do to not only address its homelessness problem, but also increase housing supply, maintain public safety, advance climate goals and push back on immigration enforcement efforts.
“We can bring LA back to what it really is: one of the most creative, beautiful and hopeful places in the world. But only if we come together to fight for it,” Raman said in a campaign video.
During the race, Raman identified himself as one of Bass’s leadership hopefuls and what he called a fear-driven campaign from Spencer Pratt, a right-leaning independent who gained momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign.
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LA council member Nithya Raman is also running against Republican Spencer Pratt for mayor of Los Angeles. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
“We have a mayor who has failed to lead this city, on the other hand, a right-wing extremist, sponsored by MAGA, who is turning people’s frustrations with this city into fear, anger and hatred,” said Raman.
Bass, who takes office in 2022, says he has a track record of leading the city in the right direction.
Despite opposing criticism of the Palisade fire, the persistent homeless population and the budget deficit, Bass said he has taken steps to address all of those areas in his three years in office.
“Los Angeles is in a state of transition. After decades of rising homelessness, poorly constructed housing and a shrinking police force, Mayor Karen Bass is finally stepping up to change the way City Hall operates,” Bass’ website reads.
“Housing is down, more housing is being built and the LAPD is hiring new officers.”
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said “it depends” when asked if non-citizens should be allowed to vote in local elections. (Getty Images)
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Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed Bass last week.
Bass won re-election in 2022 with a 54.8% to 45.2% victory over independent challenger Rick J. Caruso.
