Los Angeles Mayoral Race: Nithya Raman Advances to November Runoff Against Karen Bass

Progressive candidate Nithya Raman has secured the second spot in the Los Angeles mayoral race, according to election results reported on June 9, 2026. Raman, who entered the contest late, will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November runoff. The outcome marks the end of Spencer Pratt’s campaign, as confirmed by reporting from The New York Times and CNN.

How the Los Angeles Mayoral Primary Concluded

Nithya Raman overtook Spencer Pratt in the vote count, finalizing the field for the November election. The New York Times reports that Raman, a progressive Democrat, successfully consolidated support despite her late entry into the race. This result sets up a head-to-head contest against Mayor Karen Bass, who remains the primary challenger for the seat. While some candidates and observers have raised questions regarding the integrity of the vote count, officials emphasize the standard, albeit slow, processing of mail-in ballots.

Why the Count Took Time

The transition from primary voting to a finalized runoff field was extended due to the manual and verified processing of mail-in ballots. The New York Times notes that the slow pace of counting is a standard feature of California’s election system rather than an indicator of fraud. Despite the time required to tally the votes, the results now clearly define the November ballot, moving the city’s focus toward the upcoming campaign between Bass and Raman.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Primary

• Runoff Field: Nithya Raman will face Mayor Karen Bass in November.
• Candidate Shift: Spencer Pratt has been eliminated from contention following the final vote tallies.
• Election Integrity: While some figures have alleged irregularities in the counting process, there is no evidence provided to support claims of widespread fraud, according to reports from The New York Times.
• Campaign Timeline: The primary results were solidified as of June 9, 2026, transitioning the city into the general election phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Nithya Raman?

Nithya Raman is a progressive Democrat who joined the mayoral race late in the cycle and successfully secured the second position to advance to the November runoff.

Who will Nithya Raman face in November?

Raman will face the incumbent, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Is the election result considered official?

Yes, based on the latest tallies reported by CNN and The New York Times, Raman has secured the necessary position to move forward to the general election.