Nithya Raman's Surprise Candidacy Alters Los Angeles Mayoral Dynamics
Nithya Raman, a progressive urban planner who made headlines in 2020 by defeating an incumbent Democrat endorsed by Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton to join the Los Angeles city council, has once again disrupted the political landscape. At 44 years old, Raman filed to run for mayor just hours before the deadline, following her recent endorsement of Mayor Karen Bass for re-election. This bombshell move has left constituents, allies, and opponents alike in a state of surprise, fundamentally changing the calculus of the race.
A Race in Flux: From Bass's Favor to Raman's Opportunity
The mayoral contest had appeared to be swinging in favor of incumbent Karen Bass after months of criticism over the city's handling of devastating wildfires and ongoing frustrations regarding homelessness and housing. With several competitors withdrawing, Bass's path to victory seemed clear. However, Raman's entry has introduced a new dynamic, with veteran LA journalist Jim Newton noting that it is rare for a serious contender to join so late. Raman immediately emerged as one of the strongest and most well-known candidates, having previously garnered endorsements from celebrities like Jane Fonda and Mindy Kaling during her council campaign.
Media outlets have drawn parallels between Raman and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, highlighting her progressive credentials. In a statement, Raman described running for mayor as an "extraordinary opportunity" to make Los Angeles more affordable and to govern with urgency and accountability. Her candidacy has fueled fascination with the race and her split with Bass, with political reporter Conan Nolan likening the development to Brutus's betrayal of Julius Caesar. Raman countered, emphasizing the need to focus on issues rather than personal dynamics.
Building a Campaign Amidst Political Shifts
The key question now is whether Raman can build a campaign that resonates with voters, especially as key portions of the city's liberal base have already aligned with Bass. Mike Bonin, a former Los Angeles city councilmember, noted that many on the left are taken aback by her sudden candidacy, which threatens the traditional progressive coalition in Los Angeles. Raman's 2020 victory over well-funded incumbent David Ryu, supported by Bernie Sanders and centered on housing and homelessness, drew comparisons to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She mobilized over 2,000 volunteers who knocked on 80,000 doors, achieving a record number of door-knocks in a district spanning from Silver Lake to the San Fernando Valley.
Since taking office, Raman has focused on housing issues, chairing the council's housing and homelessness committee. While some positions have shifted, voters still view her as a progressive. Fernando Guerra, a professor at Loyola Marymount University, pointed out that Raman appeals to liberal establishment Democrats, DSA members, and moderate business Democrats, making her a formidable candidate in a city facing challenges like wildfires and immigration raids.
Challenges and Criticisms in a Tense Political Climate
The mayoral race occurs during a difficult chapter for Los Angeles, marked by unprecedented wildfires that killed 31 people and destroyed over 16,000 structures. Bass faced intense criticism for the response, with allegations that an after-action report was edited to understate agency shortcomings. Additionally, ICE raids and national guard deployments have added to the city's tensions. Bonin described voters as "hangry," angry over fire responses and city services, creating hunger for a real contest in the mayor's race.
Raman's entry has sparked criticism from Bass's supporters, with Yvonne Wheeler of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor labeling her an opportunist. Raman, however, has stated that she admires Bass but feels a "call from Los Angeles for change," citing frustration among Angelenos. In her campaign video, she argued that the city is at a "breaking point," failing to manage basics and address housing shortages.
Pathways to Victory and the Future of LA Politics
Observers like Jim Newton suggest that Bass is more vulnerable from the left in this liberal city, but Raman faces significant hurdles. She must raise substantial funding, mend fences with allies, and explain her shift from Bass supporter to challenger. Bonin emphasized that Raman needs to build an organization without the traditional progressive coalition, including labor and the Black community, which supports Bass. Her potential coalition might focus on renters and pro-housing residents, a challenging group to unite.
Newton noted that Raman's candidacy reflects broader shifts in LA politics, with a younger, more immigrant-heavy electorate less dominated by homeowners. Regardless of the outcome, her entry highlights how much the city has changed. Raman's campaign, still in early stages with a limited website, emphasizes delivering basics, expanding housing, and responding to residents' desire for change. She reported hundreds of volunteers signing up, indicating strong grassroots support for her people-powered movement.
