Raman ousts Bass in LA mayor race for historic socialist win
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Mayoral candidate Nithya Raman speaking at Axios/Noticias Telemundo Visionarios on Sept. 30. Photo: Ben Camacho for Axios
Democratic socialist Nithya Raman toppled embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a stunning upset, putting South Asian immigrants on course to lead America's two largest cities.
Why it matters: With New York's Zohran Mamdani already in office, Raman's win puts democratic socialists on track to run two of America's most powerful city halls — testing whether their promises on affordable housing and better government can survive the pressures of governing.
The big picture: Raman's victory marks a historic shift in urban American politics as voters embrace a new generation of immigrant leaders challenging the Democratic establishment.
- Raman, 45, immigrated from India as a child. Mamdani, New York's mayor, also has South Asian roots and immigrated to the U.S.
- Both built their political careers around affordability and inequality, giving democratic socialism a powerful foothold in America's largest cities.
State of play: The Associated Press called the race for Raman Thursday, making Bass the first Los Angeles mayor in two decades to lose reelection.
- Raman led Bass 52.1% to 47.9% in unofficial results released Thursday. Ballot counting continues.
- Bass, who won in 2022, conceded and pledged a smooth transition. Raman takes office Dec. 14.
- Raman defeated a political heavyweight backed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and much of the City Council.
Zoom in: Raman capitalized on growing frustration over homelessness, housing costs and Bass' handling of the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire.
- A September Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll showed Raman leading Bass 66%-4% among likely voters under 30 and 45%-21% among Latino likely voters.
- Bass narrowed the gap. The final Berkeley poll showed the candidates tied at 40%, with 19% undecided. Among Latino likely voters, Raman's lead shrank to 43%-40%.
- Raman launched her challenge in February after previously endorsing Bass, turning former allies into political rivals.
Zoom out: Democratic socialism's reach now extends beyond New York and Los Angeles.
- Washington, D.C., voters also elected democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George Tuesday, delivering another major victory for the movement.
- The wins raise questions about the Democratic Party's future as younger progressives challenge established leaders.
Yes, but: Raman has carved out an independent path that sometimes puts her at odds with fellow socialists.
- She has repeatedly clashed with the Democratic Socialists of America over Israel, policing and housing.
- National DSA leaders voted 14-13 Monday against withdrawing her endorsement after a dispute over how the Los Angeles chapter vetted her stance on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel.
- The group's Los Angeles chapter previously censured Raman for accepting an endorsement from Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles. She has stressed her political independence.
Between the lines: Raman's winning pitch focused less on socialist ideology and more on making City Hall work.
- She told Axios and Noticias Telemundo at Visionarios that her approach amounts to "sewer socialism" or "pothole politics."
- "I just want government to work for the people," Raman said.
- That message could offer progressive candidates a model for building coalitions beyond traditional socialist activists.
The bottom line: Winning City Hall may prove easier than running it. Raman faces a homelessness crisis, a housing shortage and the 2028 Olympics — with the nation watching whether democratic socialism can deliver on its promises.
