Los Angeles Mayoral Race: Bass Versus Raman

In February, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman disrupted the mayoral race by challenging incumbent Karen Bass. Raman, linked with the Democratic Socialists of America, decided to run at the last moment, targeting Bass who faced criticism over her management of the Palisades fire. Bass has since been on the defense, focusing on her successes in crime reduction and affordable housing while highlighting Raman’s campaign errors.

According to a recent Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll, the race is tight, with approximately 20% of voters still undecided. Dan Schnur, a political communications professor at USC and UC Berkeley, noted the fundamental question for undecided voters is whether to maintain the current leadership or risk something new with Raman.

The election marks the conclusion of a challenging nine-month campaign between Bass and Raman, once political allies. Bass, 73, supported Raman during her 2024 reelection campaign, but Raman, now 45, withdrew her endorsement of Bass earlier this year.

The Political Divide

Raman has criticized Bass’s leadership, particularly her response to the Palisades fire, homelessness, and municipal service issues. She blames Bass for mismanaged projects like the delayed SkyLink at Los Angeles International Airport.

Bass, countering, accuses Raman of changing her political stances and creating division within her district. Raman also faces skepticism from other council members, who openly support Bass.

Key Campaign Issues

The winner of this election will govern L.A. during the high-risk 2028 Summer Olympic Games. The city’s strategy for addressing homelessness and upcoming labor contracts with city unions is also at stake.

Raman has concentrated on criticizing Bass’s connections with business and police unions. Bass defends her actions, arguing for necessary police compensation and support for downtown economic development.

Campaign Developments

Bass began her re-election campaign in July 2024 as homelessness numbers decreased. She credited her Inside Safe initiative for these improvements. However, her absence during the Palisades fire left a lasting impact.

Other candidates, including former superintendent Austin Beutner and reality TV star Spencer Pratt, joined the race but did not progress to the final stages.

Raman joined the race late, attacking Bass’s administration, while Bass questioned Raman’s decisions, particularly concerning public safety and homelessness policies.

As the campaign nears its end, both candidates attempt to sway undecided and former Pratt supporters. Raman concentrates on LAPD leadership and issues at LAX, while Bass promotes her record on reducing crime.

The final decision might rely on which candidate former Pratt supporters choose, based on whether they preferred his rebellious approach or conservative leanings.

Reporter Sandhya Kambhampati provided data and graphics for this report.