Nithya Raman Advances to Los Angeles Mayoral Runoff

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman will face incumbent Karen Bass in November’s election for Los Angeles mayor. CBS News forecasts this after Raman overtook Spencer Pratt in recent election results.

California’s primary system allows the top two candidates, regardless of party, to advance to the general election. With 93% of votes counted, Bass holds 34.3%, and Raman follows with 28.5%. CBS initially projected Bass’s advancement on election night.

Previously, Pratt led Raman by six points for second place. Gradual updates from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder showed Pratt’s lead diminishing. By Sunday, Raman had surpassed Pratt by less than one percentage point. A county polling update reported that Raman gained more than 33,000 votes, further increasing her lead past Pratt’s 25.8%.

All candidates voiced reactions over the weekend. Pratt encouraged his social media followers to remain optimistic as votes were still being counted. Bass’s campaign released a statement shortly after Raman overtook Pratt, noting their readiness for the upcoming contest.

“We are prepared to challenge an opponent who supports encampments near schools and protests against increasing police force, yet doesn’t protect Hollywood jobs or act when immigration enforcement intensifies in LA,” stated Bass’s campaign.

Raman’s campaign expressed encouragement by the latest vote tally and gratitude toward supporters.

Polling before the election showed Bass leading with 26%, followed by Raman at 25% and Pratt at 22%. A May 28 poll by UC Berkeley-LA Times cited a 3% margin of error. UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs additionally noted that 40% of likely voters were undecided before the primary, though this dropped to 10% in later UC Berkeley-LA Times polling as voters picked sides.

The mayoral race has gained national attention due to significant events in Los Angeles, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires in 2025 and subsequent immigration enforcement actions.

Reactions from Mayoral Candidates

On Monday, after being projected to advance, Raman expressed her gratitude.

“I’m honored that voters have enabled us to proceed to the general election for Los Angeles mayor. Sincere thanks to everyone who supported us,” Raman shared.

Raman talked about creating a “healthier, safer, more affordable, and more joyful Los Angeles.” She criticized City Hall for prioritizing political influence over public needs, resulting in higher rents and reduced services. Raman invited others frustrated by the current state to join her movement for change.

Bass’s campaign released their updated statement:

“A contest against Nithya Raman, who supports encampments near schools and police reductions, is one Mayor Bass eagerly anticipates,” stated her campaign.

Raman, considering this her final political campaign if unsuccessful, emphasized her determination to continue her efforts, regardless of the outcome.

Nithya Raman’s Political Journey

Before joining the mayoral race, Raman, a Democrat, served on the Los Angeles City Council since 2020, reelected in 2024. Her district covers areas from the San Fernando Valley to the Santa Monica Mountains.

Raman criticized Bass’s approach to the city’s homelessness crisis, explaining her struggles to work with the mayor’s office. Raman’s stance on homelessness, opposing anti-encampment ordinances, has faced scrutiny, as critics argue these bans shift rather than solve the issue.

At her election night event, Raman announced her intention to fight for her city, regardless of the race’s outcome.

Mayor Karen Bass and Her Challenges

Having served as a congresswoman and now as LA’s 43rd mayor, Bass declared this campaign her last. Before her time in Congress, she was the first Black woman to be Speaker of the California State Assembly.

During her tenure as mayor, Bass faced significant leadership tests, including the city’s homelessness problem, Hollywood strikes, and immigration enforcement operations starting in 2025. These challenges culminated in a $1 billion shortfall for the city.

Bass remains optimistic about her accomplishments, highlighting efforts to avoid layoffs during budget crises and reducing unhoused populations. Upon advancement to the general election, Bass expressed her intent to continue building upon her first-term successes.

Reality TV Star Spencer Pratt’s Campaign

Spencer Pratt, known for “The Hills,” entered the mayoral race following the Palisades Fire in 2025, when his property was destroyed. Pratt emerged as an outspoken critic of political responses to the fire, particularly those of Bass and Governor Newsom.

Pratt’s newfound political influence attracted a significant social media following and President Trump’s attention, hinting at Pratt’s support.

Pratt criticized Bass’s programs for homelessness, suggesting alternative approaches focusing on “medical, mandatory treatment.” On election night, Pratt confidently addressed reporters and anticipated further debates with Bass.