Los Angeles mayoral race intensifies over utility costs and fundraising

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman is challenging Mayor Karen Bass by highlighting significant increases in utility costs. Raman claims that Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) bills have risen by 40% during Bass’s administration. To address this, Raman has proposed a three-part plan involving utility system modernization, mandatory public appearances by LADWP officials to explain rate hikes, and an audit conducted with City Controller Kenneth Mejia to examine executive compensation.

In the upcoming November 3 runoff election, campaign finance reports show Mayor Bass has raised approximately $3.4 million, outpacing Raman’s $3 million. However, Raman maintains a larger cash reserve with nearly $1.4 million on hand, compared to roughly $700,000 for Bass. Both candidates are facing significant spending from independent expenditure committees, including the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which are running large-scale advertising campaigns.