Nithya Raman Advances to Face Karen Bass in LA Mayoral Race
In a surprising turn of events, Nithya Raman edges out Spencer Pratt in the primary, setting the stage for a progressive showdown against incumbent Karen Bass in November.
The Los Angeles mayoral primary has concluded with a dramatic outcome: Nithya Raman, a progressive city councilmember, has overtaken former reality TV star Spencer Pratt to secure a spot in the November election. Raman will be challenging the incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, highlighting a significant shift in the city's political landscape.
The primary, held on June 2, was initially expected to position Pratt as Bass's main contender. However, as mail-in ballot counts progressed, Raman surged past Pratt, marking a victory for progressive politics in a city where Democrats have a substantial majority over Republicans.
“Right now, we have a city that feels rudderless. So many positions that haven’t been filled, places where Angelenos feel abandoned on some of the most important issues facing this city.”
Raman’s campaign resonated with many Angelenos frustrated with the status quo, especially on issues such as homelessness. Her promise to halve the number of homeless residents by the 2028 Olympics has been a rallying point for her supporters. This focus on homelessness set her apart from Pratt, whose campaign was criticized for its sensationalist tactics, including an AI-generated video depicting him as Batman and Bass as the Joker.
Bass, on the other hand, has emphasized her experience and the importance of established relationships in governance. Her campaign argued that intimate knowledge and collaboration on multiple levels of government are crucial for running the nation’s second-largest city. This narrative, however, may not be enough to deter Raman’s growing popularity among voters seeking change.
The election results have not been without controversy. As Pratt's lead narrowed post-election night, accusations of election fraud emerged from his supporters and even former President Donald Trump. However, these claims were refuted by official records and statements from authorities, including a Trump appointee who debunked social media theories about zero-vote updates.
As Los Angeles prepares for the November election, the stage is set for a battle between two progressive figures, each representing different visions for the city's future. Whether Raman’s grassroots approach or Bass’s establishment credentials will prevail remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Los Angeles politics in the coming years.
- Spencer Pratt falls short to Nithya Raman in Los Angeles mayoral primary, CNN projects — CNN, Aleena Fayaz (June 8, 2026)
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