LOS ANGELES (AP) — City council member Nithya Raman has advanced to a November runoff against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. This election features two Democrats, both of whom were previously political allies, competing to lead a city facing challenges such as homelessness and rising living costs. Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, a former reality television personality, did not secure enough votes to continue in the race.
Raman, who initially endorsed Bass for reelection, entered the race late and is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The election will gauge whether voters in Los Angeles, a predominantly Democratic city, are inclined to adopt more progressive policies. Bass is the first Black woman to serve as mayor, while Raman could become the first South Asian woman in the role.
Raman stated, "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." In contrast, Bass's campaign strategist expressed confidence in her ability to win against Raman, highlighting concerns over Raman's policies regarding homelessness and police funding.
The mayoral race is one of California's key elections, alongside the governor's race, where Democrat Xavier Becerra has advanced to the general election. The mayoral contest was officially nonpartisan, meaning candidates did not have party affiliations listed on the ballot.
As of the latest counts, Bass received under 35% of the vote, indicating a vulnerable position for an incumbent. Raman, who was initially in third place, gained momentum as more votes were counted. Bass has strong support from prominent Democrats and labor unions, while Raman has focused on issues such as housing construction and city services.
Raman's political views have evolved over time, particularly regarding homelessness and policing. She has shifted her stance on no-camping zones and the size of the police department, which has drawn criticism from her opponents. The vote counting process in California is known for its length, contributing to the delayed results in determining the runoff candidates.
