Nithya Raman Defeats Karen Bass to Become Los Angeles’ Next Mayor

Democratic socialist Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, ending a closely contested race that exposed growing public dissatisfaction with the city’s leadership and direction.

Bass conceded on Thursday (November 5, 2026), after the latest vote count showed Raman leading with 52 percent against Bass’s 48 percent, with approximately three-quarters of ballots counted.

“I’m deeply honored to be your next mayor,” said Raman, 45, who was born in India, in a social media statement.

“I love this city. I believe in its people. The work ahead will be hard, and change will take time. And together, we are going to build a future as extraordinary as the city we call home.”

Raman campaigned on a platform focused on everyday urban problems, describing her approach as “pothole politics.” She highlighted broken streetlights, damaged sidewalks and deteriorating public infrastructure as examples of leadership failures while tapping into younger voters’ frustrations over rising living costs and housing affordability.

Her victory adds to the growing electoral success of candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has helped propel progressive politicians into prominent positions across the United States.

Raman, the first DSA-affiliated member of the Los Angeles City Council, will now lead the entertainment capital as it prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games.

Bass, 73, made history in 2022 by becoming the first Black woman elected mayor of Los Angeles. However, her administration faced mounting criticism, particularly over its response to the devastating wildfires of 2025, which broke out while she was travelling on official business for the Biden administration.

“While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken,” Bass said in a statement.

“I have called Councilmember Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I have committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs from all of us.”

Challenge to the political establishment

Raman entered the mayoral race at the last minute after initially supporting Bass’s re-election campaign.

Her unexpected decision to contest the election, announced just hours before the filing deadline, angered sections of the city’s Democratic establishment, which had largely rallied behind the incumbent despite growing concerns about her administration.

Speaking to AFP shortly before the November 3 midterm elections, Raman said Los Angeles residents were increasingly dissatisfied with what she described as a “broken status quo.”

Although she stopped short of declaring victory on Tuesday, when California’s slow ballot-counting process had yet to establish a clear winner, Raman addressed thousands of supporters and expressed confidence in her campaign’s momentum.

“This city’s government has made solving problems look impossible for so long,” said the Ivy League-educated urban planner.

“Hopelessness can be fatal for a city, but this campaign refused to accept that.”

Progressive movement gains momentum

Raman’s victory reflects the growing influence of younger progressive politicians seeking to reshape urban governance and make American cities testing grounds for more left-leaning policies.

The movement has gained momentum following the rise of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York, whose political success has provided inspiration and a potential blueprint for candidates such as Raman.

Her election marks another significant development for the Democratic Socialists of America and its efforts to expand its influence in local and national politics.