Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, becoming the next mayor of the second-largest city in the United States. Raman, an India-born politician and Los Angeles City Council member, secured a major victory in the November 2026 election. Her win marks a significant change in the city’s political leadership and brings greater attention to the growing influence of progressive candidates in American politics.

Raman’s victory came after a closely contested campaign focused on homelessness, housing costs, public safety and the condition of neighbourhood services. Karen Bass conceded the race on November 5 and congratulated Raman, promising a smooth transition.

Who Is Nithya Raman?

Nithya Raman is a 45-year-old urban planner and politician who was born in India and moved to the United States at the age of six. She studied at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developing an academic background in urban planning.

Before entering elected politics, Raman worked on housing and neighbourhood issues. She also helped establish the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, an organisation focused on supporting people experiencing homelessness.

She entered the Los Angeles City Council in 2020 after winning a seat representing District 4. Her work on housing, homelessness and local services helped her build a political base in the city.

Raman is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a political organisation that supports policies focused on economic equality and public services. Her victory also places her among a growing group of progressive politicians gaining leadership positions in major American cities.

How Raman Defeated Karen Bass

The mayoral contest was closely watched because Karen Bass had support from several major Democratic leaders. These included California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Raman, however, built her campaign around the need for changes in the way Los Angeles handles its long-running problems. She had initially supported Bass but later decided to challenge her, saying that the city had reached a breaking point.

According to reported figures from the Los Angeles County election count on November 5, Raman received 429,450 votes, or 52.1%, while Bass received 394,796 votes, or 47.9%. Bass subsequently conceded the election.

The result made Bass the first sitting Los Angeles mayor in more than two decades to lose a re-election bid. The result was reported as a major political shift for the city.

Homelessness Was a Major Election Issue

Homelessness was one of the most important topics during the campaign. Los Angeles has faced a long-running housing and homelessness crisis, with thousands of people living in tents, vehicles and temporary shelters.

Raman criticised the previous administration’s approach and promised to introduce new methods to address the problem. She proposed expanding medical teams that work directly with people living on the streets and in encampments.

Her plan aims to build trust with homeless residents and help them move into more stable accommodation. She also wants to increase housing options for people currently staying in hotels rented by the city.

Raman has stated that her approach could reduce the number of people sleeping in tents and encampments by at least half by 2028. That year, Los Angeles is scheduled to host the Olympic Games. However, homelessness is a complex issue, and the success of the proposed measures will depend on funding, housing availability and implementation.

Housing, Public Safety and Better City Services

Apart from homelessness, Raman focused on housing affordability and basic public services. Many Los Angeles neighbourhoods have faced problems such as damaged roads, potholes, broken sidewalks and streetlights that need repair.

She promised to improve these services and make city government more responsive to residents. Housing costs were another major concern, as many people struggle to afford homes in the city.

Public safety also played an important role in the campaign. Raman proposed changes to policing and expressed concerns about the relationship between the Los Angeles Police Department and federal immigration authorities. She has also said that she wants to replace the police chief.

These proposals were challenged by Bass, who described Raman’s positions on policing and homelessness as extreme. The two candidates therefore offered different approaches to some of the city’s most difficult issues.

Support Beyond the Democratic Establishment

Although Raman received support from advocacy groups and progressive organisations, she had limited backing from prominent local Democratic politicians.

Among the groups supporting her were Our Revolution, founded by Senator Bernie Sanders, and the Sierra Club. She also held a widely publicised private meeting with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as she sought to connect with a wider range of people.

Bass, meanwhile, had support from many established political figures and members of the Los Angeles City Council. The election result showed that Raman was able to build a winning campaign despite having less support from the city’s political establishment.

What Raman’s Victory Means for Los Angeles

Raman will take charge of a city with a population of around 3.8 million people and a wide range of responsibilities. Los Angeles is an important centre for entertainment, international trade, tourism, education and research.

Her administration will face several major challenges, including homelessness, the cost of housing, public safety and the condition of public infrastructure. The city will also need to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Raman’s victory is also notable for the Indian-origin community. As an India-born politician who moved to the United States as a child, her rise to the city’s top elected office has drawn international attention.

Her campaign focused on making local government more responsive to residents and improving everyday services. The next stage will be turning those promises into policies and measurable results for people across Los Angeles.