Nithya Raman will be the next mayor of Los Angeles, as incumbent Karen Bass conceded defeat after a hard-fought campaign.
In a video, Raman thanked Bass for her service and vowed to provide a city government that is “actually capable of delivering on its promises.” She cited priorities such as affordable housing, parks and public transit.
“I love this city, and I love its people, and I cannot wait to get started on building a better future together with all of you,” Raman said. “Thank you so much, Los Angeles.”
“While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken,” Bass said in a statement. “I have called Councilmember Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I have committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs from all of us.”
Raman surprised the City Hall establishment by entering the race at the last minute in February, and appeared likely to finish third behind reality star Spencer Pratt through much of the primary. But she was able to rally enough voters fed up with Bass and open to a Democratic alternative.
Raman led in several polls taken during the fall. But a Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll on Oct. 28 showed the two candidates tied, with both earning 40% of voters’ support.
Raman first joined the Los Angeles City Council in 2020, becoming the first Asian-American woman and the first South Asian ever to serve. She was re-elected for a second term in 2024. Raman holds degrees from Harvard and MIT, and worked as an urban planner before turning her focus to politics. She also served as the co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Homelessness Committee and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition.
During her campaign, Raman was particularly popular among the Hollywood set, earning endorsements and contributions from Tina Fey, Adam Scott, Mindy Kaling, Mike Schur, Colin Jost, Nicholas Stoller, Cord Jefferson, David Mandel, and others.
