Democratic socialists will soon be running three major U.S. cities, now that progressive Nithya Raman has defeated Los Angeles’ incumbent mayor.
The Associated Press called the race for Raman on Thursday afternoon, with the Democratic socialist winning 52.1% of the vote and current Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, earning 47.9%, with 76% of votes counted.
Raman, a City Council member and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, will be the first Asian American to ever lead California’s most populous city. Her victory is also the latest in a string of triumphs for the progressive wing of the Democratic party, notable among them Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral race last year. And on Tuesday, Janeese Lewis George—another member of the Democratic Socialists of America—was elected to be the next mayor of Washington, D.C.
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Raman entered the race in LA late, and her announcement came as a surprise to many, given that she had previously backed Bass’ re-election bid. In June, Raman defeated Republican former reality star Spencer Pratt, who President Donald Trump had favored in the race, to advance to the general election. During her campaign, she has emphasized her desire “to build a city that works for everyone.”
Bass’ loss comes despite endorsements for her campaign from political heavyweights in the state, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. While she has garnered support from such figures, she has been unpopular with the city’s residents, with many criticizing her response to the devastating wildfires that ripped through the southern part of the state last year.
Raman, meanwhile, had the backing of major progressives, including Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. She has advocated for a number of progressive policies, including ones focused on reducing housing costs and bolstering protections for tenants. Housing is one of the top issues for LA voters: A poll conducted by the LABC Institute in April found that respondents ranked homelessness, the cost of living, and housing affordability as top problems.
Raman has also publicly criticized the Trump Administration, particularly over its immigration enforcement operations in the city, and has said that “elected officials in LA have simply not stepped up to protect residents in the way that we all deserve.” Raman has said, though, that, like Mamdani in New York, she would work with the Trump Administration as needed for the sake and well-being of city residents.
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