Indian-origin Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Karen Bass to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, marking a significant political upset in the United States’ second-most populous city.
Raman, 45, a member of the Los Angeles City Council since 2020, secured 52.1% of the vote against Bass’ 47.9%, according to the latest results. Bass conceded defeat on Thursday (Nov 5), congratulating Raman on her victory. ABC7 Los Angeles+1
The victory marks a major shift in Los Angeles politics, with Raman challenging her former political ally after initially endorsing Bass. She received support from progressive groups, including the Democratic Socialists of America, while Bass was backed by much of the city’s political establishment.
Homelessness a key election issue
Homelessness, public safety and affordable housing dominated the campaign.
Bass defended her administration’s record, saying unsheltered homelessness had fallen by 11%. However, Raman criticised the approach as costly and ineffective.
Raman pledged to halve street homelessness across Los Angeles by the summer of 2028 and eliminate it entirely by the end of her first four-year term.
A Berkeley IGS and Los Angeles Times poll conducted between Oct 19 and 25 found that about 40% of likely voters considered reducing homeless encampments a top priority, while around 30% highlighted public safety and affordable housing.
From Kerala to Los Angeles politics
Born in Kerala in 1981, Raman moved to the United States at the age of six and became a US citizen when she was 22.
She graduated from Harvard University and obtained a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Before entering politics, she founded Transparent Chennai, an urban research organisation focusing on sanitation and civic amenities.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2013, she worked with the city’s municipal administrative officer, helped establish the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition and served as executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment.
Raman’s victory makes her the first challenger to unseat a sitting Los Angeles mayor since 2005. She is expected to take office in December.
