LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two Democratic candidates, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman, are set to participate in a forum on Tuesday, just days before mail ballots are distributed. Voters are deciding whether to retain Bass, who has faced criticism during her first term, or to support Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The election comes at a time when Los Angeles is grappling with significant challenges, including homelessness and job losses in Hollywood.
The forum is co-hosted by the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, amid divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the war in Gaza and aid to Israel. Bass, the first Black woman to serve as mayor, is defending her position after a tumultuous term marked by the Palisades Fire and ongoing homelessness issues. In contrast, Raman has positioned herself as a candidate advocating for a shift to the political left to address these persistent problems.
The race has drawn attention due to the earlier candidacy of Spencer Pratt, a Republican and reality TV star, who ultimately did not qualify for the November election. Despite the significance of the mayoral race, it has been overshadowed by national political events and other local issues, including the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
Bill Carrick, a Democratic strategist, noted that many voters are uncertain about supporting Bass and that the campaign's visibility has been low, with limited advertising and campaign materials. Bass's administration has faced challenges in addressing the homelessness crisis, which has reportedly worsened over the past year. She has attributed some of the issues to previous federal policies.
Raman, who could become the first South Asian woman to hold the mayoral position, has criticized the current administration for prioritizing powerful insiders over the needs of working-class residents. Bass is supported by prominent Democratic figures, including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, while Raman has promised to enhance housing construction and improve city services.
The outcome of the election may also depend on the supporters of Pratt, who garnered about 25% of the vote in the primary. He has continued to express dissatisfaction with both candidates on social media.
The forum will provide an opportunity for both candidates to present their platforms as the election approaches.