Nithya Raman Wins Los Angeles Mayoral Race Against Karen Bass

UPDATE - follow-up to Nithya Raman ousts incumbent Karen Bass in LA mayor's race, CBS News projects: Councilmember Nithya Raman is set to become the next mayor of Los Angeles after beating incumbent Karen Bass in the November general election. This win follows big victories for Democrats nationwide on Election Day.

Concession And Transition

Bass conceded the race on Thursday morning and called Raman to wish her well. Bass stated that she spoke with Raman to offer congratulations and promised a smooth hand-off of power. She thanked her team and supporters while vowing to keep working for a better life for everyone in the city. After serving more than twenty years as a congresswoman and as the city's 43rd mayor, Bass announced that this contest was her final campaign.

Campaign Path And Polls

Raman started her mayoral run as a surprise bid in February after she had earlier backed Bass to win another term. She initially called her campaign a long shot before beating Spencer Pratt in the June primary election. A poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times right before the vote showed both candidates tied at 40 percent. The survey also revealed that 41 percent of Pratt primary voters moved to support Bass, while 14 percent backed Raman and 45 percent stayed undecided.

Background And Endorsements

Raman won election to the Los Angeles City Council in 2020 after working as a homeless advocate and leading a neighborhood committee. In 2025, she pushed through a motion to limit yearly rent hikes for older rent-controlled apartments. Bass previously spent twelve years in the U.S. House after serving as the first Black woman Speaker of the California Assembly. During the race, Bass won backing from leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, while former rival Rick Caruso endorsed Bass for the November vote over concerns about Raman's competence.

Context

Mayoral elections in large American cities often draw heavy national attention due to the scale of local issues like housing costs and homelessness. Incumbents rarely lose primary and general election cycles without significant shifts in voter mood or high-stakes policy debates. This election marks a major turning point in Los Angeles municipal leadership after years of established political tenure by outgoing figures.