Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, making history as the first South Asian and Asian American to lead the second-largest city in the United States. Her victory marks a significant political shift in Los Angeles and strengthens the growing influence of progressive candidates in American politics.
The 45-year-old Los Angeles City Council member secured approximately 52% of the vote, compared with 48% for Bass, according to the latest vote count reported by the Los Angeles Times. The Associated Press also called the race in Raman’s favour. Bass conceded on Thursday, November 5, congratulating Raman and promising a smooth transition of power.
Born in India, Raman immigrated to the United States at the age of six. She studied urban planning and holds degrees from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Before entering politics, she worked as an urban planner and became involved in community development and housing issues.
Raman was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2020, representing District 4. She became known for her advocacy on housing affordability, homelessness and neighbourhood development. Her election as mayor marks another milestone in the political representation of the South Asian community in the United States.
Her entry into the mayoral contest came as a surprise. Raman had initially endorsed Bass for re-election but decided to challenge her in February 2026, announcing her candidacy just hours before the filing deadline. Her campaign gained momentum among younger and progressive voters, with support from the Democratic Socialists of America .
During her campaign, Raman focused on addressing Los Angeles’ persistent homelessness crisis, rising housing costs and shortcomings in essential public services. She also promised to improve public transport, expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen neighbourhood infrastructure. Her proposals included deploying more medical teams to support people experiencing homelessness.
The election also marks a major setback for Bass, who became the first incumbent Los Angeles mayor in more than two decades to lose a re-election bid. Bass had received endorsements from prominent Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Raman will now take charge of a city facing major challenges, including homelessness, housing affordability, public safety and recovery efforts following the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. She will also oversee preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games, which are expected to bring millions of visitors to Los Angeles.
Her victory is being viewed as an important moment for South Asian representation in American public life. As she prepares to become the city’s 44th mayor, Raman faces the challenge of turning her campaign promises into meaningful changes for millions of residents.
