Nithya Raman overtakes Karen Bass in tight Los Angeles mayoral election

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has taken a narrow lead over incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the election for mayor of Los Angeles, according to the New York Post and the Los Angeles Times. With an estimated 63 percent of the vote counted, the New York Post reported that Raman has received 377,458 votes, or 51.1 percent, while Bass has 360,864 votes, or 48.9 percent. Variety reported that early returns showed a close race that may not be officially called for days. [1][3][4]

Raman held an election night gathering at the Greek Theatre Plaza in Griffith Park, where supporters watched the results, the New York Post and Variety both reported. Both candidates are Democrats who advanced to the main contest after finishing ahead of candidate Spencer Pratt in the city jungle primary, according to the Daily Mail. During the final push on election day, the Daily Mail reported that Bass released a video showcasing blunders made by Raman on the campaign trail. [1][2][4]

The campaign was marked by endorsements and spats in its closing days. Just Jared reported that Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black criticized Raman for missing his event and endorsed Bass, while TheWrap noted the filmmaker described Raman as not a dependable politician. Daily Mail also reported that California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra refused to endorse Bass during a joint television interview on election day. [2][5][6][8]

Bass has served as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles since 2022 after previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Assembly. Raman is an urban planner who has served as the Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 4th district since 2020. Election officials are continuing to count the remaining ballots to determine the final outcome. [1][9][10]