Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman advanced to a runoff against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass Monday evening, setting the stage for a highly watched general election in November. The primary outcome also eliminated Spencer Pratt, the Republican former reality TV star. Voters will decide the city’s leadership on Nov. 3.
Raman expressed gratitude and optimism in a campaign statement. “I’m incredibly honored that voters have given us the opportunity to advance to the general election for Mayor of Los Angeles,” she said. “If you’re as frustrated by the broken status quo as I am, I hope you’ll join our movement to build a city that works for everyone.”
Raman’s Progressive Platform
Raman, who has served as chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee since 2023, has been described as a Mamdani-style socialist, a reference to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s far-left approach. She has pushed for government-led affordability programs, more housing development, public safety measures, and climate goals, while opposing certain federal immigration enforcement actions.
During the campaign, Raman positioned herself as a hopeful alternative to Bass’ leadership and framed Pratt as a fear-driven, right-leaning candidate. “We have a mayor who has failed to lead this city, and on the other hand, a right-wing extremist, powered by MAGA, who’s channeling people’s frustrations into fear, anger and hatred,” Raman said.
Bass’ Record and Campaign Strategy
Mayor Bass, first elected in 2022, emphasized her achievements in office. Despite criticisms over the Palisades wildfires, visible homelessness, and city budget deficits, Bass highlighted reductions in homelessness, increased housing construction, and hiring of new police officers.
In a social media post, Bass framed the runoff as a choice between maintaining her approach and Raman’s progressive policies. “We won on Tuesday — and LA rejected Spencer Pratt and the MAGA agenda. Next, we’ll win in November! This is an election with a choice between keeping change together or Nithya Raman, who allows encampments near schools and fights against hiring more cops,” Bass wrote.
Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed Bass ahead of the general election, adding further establishment support to her campaign.
Voter and National Attention
Raman’s advancement has drawn national attention, highlighting a citywide debate between progressive and moderate approaches to governance. The campaign spotlight has focused on housing affordability, homelessness, policing, and local economic recovery.
Raman emphasized a message of unity and optimism. “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,” she said in a campaign video.
Meanwhile, Pratt’s elimination underscores the limits of celebrity-driven campaigns in city politics, despite his late surge in visibility.
The Los Angeles mayoral runoff now pits incumbent Karen Bass against progressive Nithya Raman, forcing voters to decide between continuity and a far-left agenda. With national attention and critical city issues at stake, the November election will be a key test of policy priorities, leadership style, and voter sentiment in one of the nation’s largest cities.
