Los Angeles mayoral race pits incumbent Karen Bass against Nithya Raman

Los Angeles is approaching a mayoral election on November 3, featuring incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman. Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has received a significant endorsement from Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Horvath, who represents the third supervisorial district, noted that Raman offers the kind of leadership required to challenge institutional inertia.

In contrast, the four other members of the Board of Supervisors and 13 of Raman’s 14 City Council colleagues have supported Bass. The election comes as Los Angeles faces significant urban challenges, including an increase in homelessness, rising housing and utility costs, and economic shifts in the Hollywood film and restaurant industries.

Bass’s first term has been marked by difficulties, including the response to the deadly Palisades Fire. The campaign also highlights political tensions between the city and the county regarding the management of homelessness services and bureaucracy.