Los Angeles: Kerala-born Nithya Raman has won the Los Angeles mayoral race, defeating incumbent Karen Bass and becoming the first South Asian to lead the US city. Bass conceded defeat on Thursday and said she would ensure a smooth transition.
Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member and urban planner, will become the mayor of America’s second-largest city. Her victory marks a significant milestone in her political career, which began with her election to the city council in 2020.
“Los Angeles, I am deeply honoured to be your next mayor,” Raman wrote on X on Thursday.
According to the Los Angeles County election results updated at 4:34 pm local time, Raman had secured 460,772 votes, or 52.70 per cent, while Bass had received 413,519 votes, or 47.30 per cent. Raman’s lead stood at 47,253 votes. The figures were part of the ongoing count and remained subject to the official canvass.
The margin had widened from the 34,654-vote lead reported earlier in the day, as election officials continued processing ballots cast in Tuesday’s election.
Karen Bass Concedes Defeat, Promises Smooth Transition
Bass called Raman to congratulate her on the victory and pledged cooperation during the transition.
“I’ve called Councilmember Raman to congratulate her, and I’m committed to a smooth transition,” Bass said in a post on X.
Raman also said she had spoken with Bass, expressing appreciation for her leadership and years of public service.
The result marks the first time in more than two decades that a sitting Los Angeles mayor has been defeated by a challenger. Bass had served as the city’s mayor since 2022.
Who Is Nithya Raman?
Born in Kerala, India, Raman moved to the United States with her family when she was six years old. She studied at Harvard University and later earned a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Before entering electoral politics, Raman worked on homelessness-related issues and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, a community organisation focused on supporting people experiencing homelessness.
She was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2020, becoming the first South Asian woman elected to the council. She secured another term in 2024.
Housing And Homelessness Were Key Campaign Issues
Raman’s mayoral campaign focused on housing affordability, homelessness and improving municipal services. Her proposals also included better maintenance of streetlights and potholes, along with changes to policing.
Her victory places her at the helm of a city grappling with housing pressures and homelessness. She is expected to take office in December.
