Nithya Raman elected as the new mayor of Los Angeles

Nithya Raman, a 45-year-old city council member affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, was elected mayor of Los Angeles on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Raman secured 52% of the vote, defeating the incumbent, 73-year-old Karen Bass. This victory marks the first electoral defeat in the long political career of Bass, who had served as mayor since 2022.

Raman, who immigrated to the United States from India, campaigned on a platform of change, vowing to dismantle what she described as a dysfunctional political establishment. Following her victory, she announced her primary policy priorities via social media, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing development and the creation of new public parks for residents. She stated that her administration will focus on building a better future for the city's inhabitants.

The election signifies a notable shift toward the left wing of the Democratic Party in Los Angeles. Karen Bass had faced criticism during her term for her management of city affairs, which sources suggest contributed to her loss. Raman is set to transition into her new role as the city’s leader, promising to address the repeated failures of past administrations regarding infrastructure and public service accessibility.