Reported by 2 sources

The short version

  • Nithya Raman defeats incumbent Karen Bass to become the next mayor of Los Angeles.
  • Democratic socialists secured multiple key positions, including a US House seat and city attorney.
  • Voter dissatisfaction with Bass's handling of the Palisades fire contributed significantly to her defeat.

Nithya Raman has been elected mayor of Los Angeles, defeating incumbent Karen Bass in a result that signals a major realignment within the city’s political landscape. Raman, who previously made history as the first democratic socialist to serve on the Los Angeles City Council, secured the top executive position in one of America’s largest cities. Her victory ensures that both of the nation’s two most populous municipalities will now be led by mayors affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

The election results reflect a broader wave of progressive successes across Los Angeles County. Voters backed numerous candidates endorsed by DSA-LA, including Marissa Roy for city attorney and Angela Gonzales-Torres for a US House seat, where she defeated incumbent Jimmy Gomez. Additional victories were recorded on school boards and the Burbank City Council, which now holds the distinction of having the first socialist-majority council on the West Coast.

News Journal

This slate of wins represents the largest number of candidate victories in the organization’s history. The campaign effort was characterized by extensive grassroots mobilization, with volunteers reportedly knocking on more than 110,000 doors during the election season. Anna Gross, a steering member of DSA-LA, stated that the results demonstrate Angelenos are seeking alternatives to politicians perceived as beholden to corporate interests and billionaires.

While Raman’s campaign benefited from significant organizational support, her path to victory was also facilitated by deep unpopularity surrounding incumbent Karen Bass. Polling data had long indicated widespread frustration among residents regarding the state of the city. Specifically, resentment over Bass’s administration’s handling of the Palisades fire in January of the previous year emerged as a critical factor damaging her re-election prospects.

Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles initiative at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, suggested that the fire was a pivotal moment for voters. He noted that without the incident, it is unlikely Raman would have entered the race or that Bass would have faced defeat. The disaster served as a focal point for broader dissatisfaction, with a significant majority of city residents believing the municipality was on the wrong track.

The electoral success has had an immediate impact on the Democratic Socialists of America chapter in Los Angeles. As of late October, the organization reported more than 6,000 members. Following the election results, the chapter announced that approximately 2,000 additional individuals joined within a single week, highlighting a surge in engagement and membership interest.

Raman’s political trajectory began with her joining DSA in 2019. Her initial entry into elected office occurred in 2020, when she defeated an incumbent Democrat who had the backing of prominent figures such as Nancy Pelosi. That early victory established her presence in local politics and paved the way for her current run for the mayorship.

Looking ahead, DSA-LA leadership has expressed intent to demonstrate the practical outcomes of their governance style. With representation now spanning city hall, county offices, and Congress, the organization aims to translate its electoral gains into policy delivery. The coming months will likely focus on how these newly elected officials address the specific grievances that fueled voter turnout.

The shift in leadership raises questions about how Raman’s administration will navigate the complex challenges facing Los Angeles. While the election results provide a clear mandate for change, the extent to which progressive policies can be implemented within the existing governmental framework remains to be seen. The transition period will test the ability of the new administration to deliver on campaign promises.

As the dust settles from this historic election cycle, attention turns to the immediate tasks of governance. Raman’s inauguration will mark the end of Bass’s tenure and the beginning of a new era for Los Angeles. The coming legislative sessions will likely feature intense scrutiny as both supporters and critics assess the direction of the city under its new leadership.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • The Guardian US↗LA’s newer, bluer wave: Nithya Raman leads way as city’s progressives make their mark
  • CalMatters↗Opinion | Mayor-elect Nithya Raman inherits a Los Angeles full of promise and burdened by challenges