Nithya Raman wins Los Angeles mayoral race after pledging housing expansion

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass to become the 44th mayor of Los Angeles. HousingWire reported that the Associated Press called the race after Raman built a lead of 52.1% to 47.9% over Bass, with approximately 76% of the expected vote counted. Bass conceded the election and promised a smooth transition. [1]

Raman, an urban planner and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, ran with backing from yes in my backyard advocacy groups. Realtor.com reported that Mayor-Elect Raman has pledged to triple homebuilding across the city in an effort to address housing affordability. [1][2]

The election outcome marks the first time in two decades that an incumbent Los Angeles mayor has lost a reelection bid. HousingWire reported that Raman is the second Democratic Socialists of America member to be elected mayor of a major United States city, following New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. [1]

The nonpartisan primary for the mayoral race was held on June 2, 2026, after Bass announced her reelection bid in July 2024. Bass and Raman advanced from the primary to the general election held on November 3, 2026. Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, with an estimated population of 3.87 million residents as of 2025. [4][5]