Raman advances to November, setting up historic Bass showdown

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has clinched a spot in the November mayoral election, eliminating Republican Spencer Pratt to set up a same-party general election against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Bass held first place with roughly 34.32% of the vote, followed by Raman at 28.98% and Pratt at 25.51%. This marks a dramatic reversal for Raman, who had been down by 8.1 points on election night before gaining 43,000 votes on Pratt through successive ballot releases, as late-returned mail ballots broke heavily for Democrats. Results are due to be certified June 26.

Bass enters the general election backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Raman, on the other hand, has secured the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Still, the incumbent enters from a weakened position, having drawn under 35% of the primary vote, an unusually low share for a mayor seeking reelection.

Raman’s advancement could mean history-in-the-making. No South Asian or Asian American has ever led the city, despite the AAPI community’s deep roots in Los Angeles civic and economic life. Additionally, a victory in November would mark the highest office an Asian American has held in the city’s history. Sharing similar policy ideas, Raman has also drawn comparisons with fellow Indian American and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

For AAPI Angelenos grappling with homelessness, public safety and entertainment industry job losses, the November contest will be a test of which Democratic vision can deliver. Raman has called the city’s encampment management “political theater,” and an April UCLA poll recorded a 49% unfavorable rating for Bass among surveyed voters.

Outstanding ballots will continue to be processed ahead of the June 26 certification.