NewsWPLG Local 10November 5, 2026Miami-Dade County
Nithya Raman defeats Karen Bass in Los Angeles mayoral election
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Challenger Nithya Raman defeated incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, marking the first time in two decades an incumbent mayor lost a reelection bid. Raman campaigned on overhauling city services, shifting homelessness response strategies, and replacing the police chief.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The election alters leadership of the nation's second-largest city, bringing a shift in local governance, policing priorities, and strategies for addressing homelessness ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Key Facts
- Nithya Raman defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election.
- Karen Bass is the first Los Angeles mayor in two decades to lose a reelection bid.
- Raman is a Los Angeles City Council member and urban planner backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
- Bass's first term faced heavy criticism following the handling of the Palisades Fire and persistent homelessness.
- Raman plans to replace the police chief, citing concerns over cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- Raman aims to reduce the number of people sleeping in tents and encampments by at least half by 2028.
- Bass received endorsements from prominent Democrats including Governor Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and Nancy Pelosi.
- Raman received support from groups including Our Revolution and the Sierra Club, and met with former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Who's Mentioned
PersonArnold Schwarzenegger“Former Governor who met privately with Raman”PersonNithya Raman“Los Angeles City Council member who won the mayoral election”locationNew York“City where Zohran Mamdani was elected”PersonKamala Harris“Former Vice President who supported Karen Bass”OrganizationLos Angeles City Council“Municipal legislative body where Raman served”locationLos Angeles“Nation's second-largest city and setting for the election”PersonJoe Biden“Former President”OrganizationSierra Club“Environmental advocacy group that supported Raman”PersonRick Caruso“Billionaire developer who stated he was voting for Bass”PersonZohran Mamdani“Democratic socialist elected in New York last year”PersonGavin Newsom“Governor who supported Karen Bass”OrganizationOur Revolution“Political group founded by Bernie Sanders that supported Raman”PersonBernie Sanders“Vermont Senator who founded Our Revolution”OrganizationDemocratic Socialists of America“Political organization that backed Nithya Raman”PersonNancy Pelosi“Former House Speaker who supported Karen Bass”PersonKaren Bass“Incumbent Mayor of Los Angeles who lost reelection”