Kerala-born Nithya Raman has won the Los Angeles mayoral race, defeating incumbent Karen Bass and becoming the city’s first Asian-American mayor, according to Decision Desk HQ.
She is also the second woman to be elected to the highest citywide office.
While Raman pulled 51.1 per cent of the vote, Bass secured 48.33 per cent, according to Decision Desk HQ.
After entering the race at the last minute to challenge Karen Bass, Raman ran a campaign relying on the playbook of other democratic socialist-aligned candidates. Her entry shocked many, particularly because she had publicly endorsed Bass for re-election only weeks prior.
Raman’s victory ends Bass’ turbulent tenure marked by devastating wildfires, Hollywood job losses, and persistent questions whether the City Hall could deliver on basic promises such as fixing potholes and street lights, according to a report.
Raman appealed to young voters with campaigns promising affordability and improvements to municipal utilities. Her campaign gained momentum when Controller Kenneth Mejia, the first Asian American to be elected to citywide office in Los Angeles, endorsed her.
Raman and Meija frequently campaigned together, targeting incumbent Bass’ signature homelessness program. Her background as an urban planner helped her gain the trust of voters apprehensive over housing policy and utility costs.
She is now set to lead Los Angeles through the final years of the Trump administration and oversee the 2028 Olympics.
Who Is Nithya Raman?
Born in Kerala in 1981,Nithy Raman immigrated to the United States at the age of six, later becoming a naturalised American citizen at 22.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and later a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Raman is the founder of the urban research firm Transparent Chennai, which aims at improving sanitation. After moving to Los Angeles in 2013, she worked for the city administrative officer and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition. She also served as the executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment.
