A political earthquake rattled Los Angeles on Saturday as City Council member Nithya Raman unexpectedly entered the mayoral race, launching a challenge against incumbent Karen Bass with mere hours to spare before the filing deadline.
Raman, known for her progressive stance representing the 4th District, immediately sets the stage for a potentially fierce June primary. The contest is particularly notable given her previous close alignment with Bass, adding a layer of personal and political complexity to the unfolding drama.
However, her candidacy isn’t yet secure. Raman must swiftly gather either 500 verified signatures alongside a $300 filing fee, or amass 1,000 signatures without payment, a task with a looming March 4th deadline set by the City Clerk’s office.
At a hastily arranged press conference, Raman passionately declared her readiness to “fight” for the city she loves. She emphasized a need for leadership that delivers on Los Angeles’ immense potential, promising seriousness, accountability, and ambitious action.
“This is a city of extraordinary possibility,” Raman stated, her voice resonating with conviction. “But possibility only matters if our leadership is accountable for delivering it.”
The field of contenders is already crowded, with a total of 40 individuals filing declarations of intent to run. This diverse group includes familiar faces like television personality Spencer Pratt and dedicated housing advocate Rae Chen Huang.
Raman’s political journey has included both strong support and recent controversy. While initially endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles, the group later censured her due to disagreements over endorsements related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Prior to her public announcement, Raman reportedly informed Mayor Bass of her intention to challenge her leadership. The move signals a clear shift in the city’s political landscape and a willingness to directly confront the incumbent.
Bass’ campaign swiftly responded, with advisor Douglas Herman criticizing Raman’s past opposition to efforts addressing homelessness and public safety. He highlighted Bass’ own record, citing a decrease in street homelessness, a historic low in homicides, and an aggressive affordability agenda.
The coming weeks promise a dynamic and closely watched mayoral race, as Raman races to qualify for the ballot and present her vision for the future of Los Angeles.
