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Los Angeles mayoral race enters dead heat between Bass and Raman
Incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman are locked in a dead heat ahead of the November 3, 2026, mayoral election. Recent polling from UC Berkeley and the Los Angeles Times shows both candidates tied at 40%, reflecting a deeply divided electorate.
The campaign has been shaped by significant debates over public safety, homelessness, and the administration’s response to the devastating Palisades Fire in January 2025. While Bass has secured endorsements from establishment figures, including Governor Gavin Newsom and various labor unions, Raman has gained momentum through support from the Democratic Socialists of America and progressive councilmembers.
In areas like Pacific Palisades, some residents who were critical of Bass’s leadership during the wildfire have indicated they may still vote for her to avoid the perceived radicalism of Raman’s platform. Conversely, Raman’s supporters point to her effectiveness in her current council district as evidence of her ability to deliver results for the broader city.
Entities
Berkeley IGS · Democratic Socialists of America · Gavin Newsom · Karen Bass · LAX Automated People Mover · Los Angeles · Nithya Raman
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The documentary footage used in the Raman campaign ad does not appear in the film's official trailer or teaser.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Raman campaign credited KNX News for the Mayor's interview in the advertisement.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The attack ad targets Mayor Karen Bass regarding the LAX Automated People Mover.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nithya Raman's campaign used footage from the documentary “You Can See Everything” in an attack ad.