Nithya Raman elected mayor of Los Angeles amid political divisions

Nithya Raman has been elected mayor of Los Angeles, becoming the city’s first mayor‑elect after a surprise victory over incumbent Karen Bass.

Raman, a democratic socialist who ran as an outsider, received no endorsements from the 14‑member city council and faced opposition from the police union and friction with the Jewish community. She now faces a city‑wide crisis that includes chronic homelessness, soaring housing costs, public‑safety concerns, an exodus of Hollywood jobs and deteriorating streets and sidewalks, all within a strained budget.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday as mayor‑elect, Raman said her priorities would be “homelessness, housing costs and public safety.” She added that she would need to navigate a “balkanised City Hall” to deliver results.

The win places Raman among a growing number of democratic socialists in municipal government in the United States, alongside figures such as Zohran Mamdani in New York and Katie Wilson in Seattle. Her tenure will also coincide with preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Raman’s campaign was marked by controversy over her comments on the Israel‑Gaza conflict, drawing criticism from both the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and some members of the Democratic Socialists of America. Analysts say she must now present concrete solutions to everyday issues like potholes, broken streetlights and homeless encampments to maintain public support.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Rockwell branding agency / Pexels.