Democratic socialist Nithya Raman wins Los Angeles mayoral race against incumbent Karen Bass | 2026 US midterm elections

Nithya Raman was elected mayor of Los Angeles, defeating incumbent Karen Bass in a major political shakeup that reflects growing dissatisfaction with the city’s direction.

The progressive urban planner had served on the Los Angeles City Council since 2020. She made a splash when she entered the race earlier this year, hours before the filing deadline — and shortly after supporting Bass for re-election — and her campaign was once considered a long shot.

But she rose in the polls over the summer and, with the support of the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, was often compared to Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York.

The Associated Press called Raman’s race Thursday, with results showing Raman leading with just over 52 percent of the vote to Bass’s 48 percent.

Raman’s victory came after a historic election night for Democrats across the United States, who won control of the House and Senate by rebuking Donald Trump and his party. The contest in deep blue Los Angeles was unique in comparison. Raman and Bass are progressives, and the mayoral race has become a heated battle between two candidates representing different generations and frequently clashing along party lines.

“I love this city and I love its people. And I can’t wait to start building a better future with all of you,” Raman said in a video statement after his victory.

Raman also praised his former ally Bass, describing him as “someone who dedicated decades of his life to making the city what it is today.”

The conciliatory tone marked a departure from a contentious race, where Raman and Bass exchanged biting remarks about each’s perceived failures to resolve the city’s woes.

Bass had never lost an election before, but she faced a difficult path to winning another term as mayor given her low approval ratings comparable to those of Donald Trump, Angelenos’ frustration with the state of the city and the wave of anti-establishment sentiment that has swept American politics.

The election took place as Los Angeles grappled with significant challenges, including frustration with homelessness and rising housing costs and affordability.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s eviction campaign has hit the region hard, Hollywood is struggling and the city is facing a huge budget deficit.

“While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken,” Bass said Thursday. “I called City Council Member Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I pledged to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs from all of us.”

Raman presented herself to voters as the candidate who could “face this moment with honesty and urgency” while lowering rents, improving city streets, reducing homelessness and keeping Angelenos safe.

She struggled in the primaries – key parts of the city’s liberal base and major unions had already aligned with Bass – and was overshadowed by Spencer Pratt’s spectacular campaign.

Pratt, a former reality TV star and registered Republican, decided to run after losing his home in the Palisades fire. He had splashy, viral campaign ads criticizing the mayor and Raman. He was often a thorn in Bass’s side, arguing that she mismanaged the city and that officials failed to adequately prepare for the fire and failed to recover.

Raman managed to narrowly beat him in the primary and quickly advanced. Her campaign received significant momentum from the support of the Los Angeles chapter of DSA, of which she was a longtime member.

This support enabled a large network of volunteers to knock on doors to campaign for him across the city. Shortly before the election, the organization’s national leadership considered rescinding the chapter’s support until Raman declared his position on the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, but the vote on the issue ultimately failed.

As the fall progressed, Bass’s campaign intensified its criticism of Raman and narrowed his lead. But Raman ultimately came out on top after winning the support of Los Angeles voters.

Raman supporters celebrated and applauded at an event for the candidate outside the Greek Theater on Tuesday evening. Max Rico, a high school teacher in South Central Los Angeles, said he was hopeful that Raman would gain a lead as young voters’ ballots were counted.

Rico, who wore a Halloween urn costume, had previously supported Bass but was disappointed with his tenure and said his policies did not help communities in need. He said he was very excited about Raman’s positions on affordable housing because as a teacher he had often seen students leave school mid-year as their families moved to areas with lower costs of living.

“I hope we can keep more families here,” he said.