Los Angeles Mayoral Race: Nithya Raman Advances in Historic Runoff Against Karen Bass

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has secured a spot in the November general election against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, according to CBS News projections. The race, which saw Raman overtake political newcomer Spencer Pratt in late-counting results, marks a pivotal moment in the city’s political landscape as voters grapple with issues like homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety.

How Raman Surpassed Pratt in Late Counting

Raman’s victory in the June primary came after a dramatic shift in vote totals. With 93% of ballots counted, Bass led with 34.3%, while Raman held 28.5% and Pratt trailed at 25.8%. Initially, Pratt had maintained a six-percentage-point lead over Raman, but the latter surged ahead as additional votes were tabulated. Raman’s campaign credited grassroots efforts, including door-to-door outreach and community engagement, for her narrowing gap.

“Every vote matters until the process is complete,” Raman’s team emphasized, highlighting the role of mail-in ballots in California’s extended counting process. The state’s 23 million registered voters and high reliance on mail-in voting contributed to the delayed results, with some counties taking weeks to finalize counts.

Bass’s Campaign Targets Raman’s Policies

Bass’s campaign swiftly responded to Raman’s advancement, criticizing her stance on homelessness and public safety. A statement from Bass’s team accused Raman of “allowing encampments near schools” and “cutting the police force,” framing the runoff as a contest between “a leader who prioritizes working people” and “a candidate who ignores critical issues.”

Raman, a Democrat elected to the City Council in 2020, has long criticized Bass’s handling of the homelessness crisis. During her campaign, she argued that Bass’s “Inside Safe” program—focusing on shelter beds and affordable housing—was insufficient, advocating instead for “medical, mandatory treatment” for homeless individuals. Her opposition to encampment bans, including a 2023 vote against an anti-encampment ordinance in Venice, has drawn scrutiny from critics.

Pratt’s Bid as a Reality TV Outsider

Spencer Pratt, best known for his role on MTV’s *The Hills*, positioned himself as a political outsider challenging Bass’s establishment credentials. His campaign gained traction after the 2025 Palisades Fire, which destroyed his home and spurred calls for accountability from local leaders. Pratt accused Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom of “city negligence” in the fire’s aftermath, framing his candidacy as a response to what he called a “broken status quo.”

Despite his social media influence and endorsements from figures like former President Donald Trump, Pratt failed to overcome Raman’s late surge. His campaign did not issue a public response as of the latest updates.

Context of a Nationally Watched Race

The race has drawn national attention amid a series of upheavals in Los Angeles, including the 2025 Palisades Fire, immigration enforcement raids, and the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes. These events have intensified debates over the city’s management of crises, with candidates offering starkly different visions for its future.

Raman’s campaign has positioned itself as a progressive alternative to Bass, promising to “build a city that works for everyone.” Bass, meanwhile, highlighted her record on reducing homelessness and navigating the city’s $1 billion budget shortfall. The runoff will determine whether the second-largest U.S. city will see a leadership change after Bass’s four-year term.

What’s Next for Los Angeles?

The November election will test whether Raman can translate her primary momentum into a broader coalition. With 10% of likely voters still undecided in the final UC Berkeley-LA Times poll, the race remains competitive. Voters will also decide on state-level races, including the gubernatorial contest between Xavier Becerra and potential rivals like Tom Steyer.

As the city faces ongoing challenges, the outcome of this race could shape its approach to homelessness, economic recovery, and public safety for years to come.