Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has surpassed reality television star Spencer Pratt in the latest Associated Press vote count for the mayoral race, although the race remains uncalled. Raman, a Democrat, is ahead by more than 3,000 votes, or approximately 0.4 percentage points, over Pratt, a Republican. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, also a Democrat, has advanced to a runoff for a second term, but the second candidate for the runoff has not yet been determined.
Los Angeles County is still counting ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day and received by June 9. The Republican National Committee has expressed concern over the slow ballot counting process. Final official results must be completed by July 2, with certification by the secretary of state due by July 10. California's voting process often leads to extended counting periods due to mail ballot rules and signature verification requirements.
Republicans, including Pratt, have criticized the ongoing ballot count, while election officials attribute the delays to the state's mail-in voting procedures. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has linked the delays to changes made by Governor Gavin Newsom regarding election laws.
