Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman will compete against incumbent Karen Bass in the upcoming November election for mayor, as projected by CBS News. This projection followed Raman’s significant progress over the weekend, surpassing newcomer Spencer Pratt in the election results.
California’s primary system advances the top two candidates to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation. With 93% of the vote counted, Bass had secured 34.3% and Raman 28.5%. Initially, CBS News had projected Bass’s advancement on election night.
Turning Points in the Election
Initially, Pratt led Raman by six percentage points for second place, but his advantage dwindled with each update from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. By Sunday, Raman edged ahead, surpassing Pratt by less than one percentage point. A subsequent county polling update revealed that Raman had gained more than 33,000 votes, widening her lead over Pratt’s 25.8%.
Throughout the weekend, all three candidates commented on the election results. Pratt encouraged positivity on social media, even as votes were still being counted. Meanwhile, Bass’s campaign issued a statement about Raman, shortly after she overtook Pratt. They expressed anticipation in competing against an opponent who, according to Bass’s campaign, allows encampments near schools and reduces police presence.
We look forward to winning a contest against an opponent who allows encampments near schools and fights against hiring more cops, yet is MIA on saving Hollywood jobs and fighting back when ICE invades LA,the statement said.
Raman’s campaign responded with a statement of gratitude for the latest vote count and support from Angelenos. As per their statement, “We’re encouraged by the latest vote count and grateful for the support across the city.”
A UC Berkeley-LA Times poll on May 28 showed Bass leading with 26%, followed closely by Raman at 25% and Pratt at 22%, with a margin of error of about 3%. Earlier polling from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs found that 40% of potential voters remained undecided.
Context and Statements from Candidates
Events in Los Angeles during 2025, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires and subsequent immigration enforcement raids, have drawn national attention to the race. On Monday afternoon, after the projections, Raman expressed her gratitude and her campaign’s continued commitment:
I’m incredibly honored that voters have given us the opportunity to advance to the general election for Mayor of Los Angeles. To everyone who made this moment possible: thank you, from the bottom of my heart,Raman stated.For too long, City Hall has prioritized giving political advantage to powerful interests. Meanwhile, working people pay the price in higher rents and depleted services.
Bass’s campaign released an updated statement that looked forward to the upcoming election:
A campaign against Nithya Raman, who allows encampments near schools and cuts the police force, is one Mayor Bass looks forward to winning,the statement read.
Pratt remained without further comment by Monday evening.
Background of the Candidates
Nithya Raman
Nithya Raman, Los Angeles City Councilmember and a vocal Democrat, made a surprising mayoral bid announcement in February after having endorsed Bass in her previous campaign. Raman’s Fourth District extends from the San Fernando Valley to the Santa Monica Mountains.
Raman has critiqued Bass’s efforts addressing the city’s homelessness crisis, mentioning a lack of action from the mayor’s office. Raman’s own approach to homelessness has faced scrutiny, notably after opposing an anti-encampment ordinance in Venice. Raman believes such bans merely displace the homeless instead of solving the core issues.
Karen Bass
Mayor Karen Bass, with a lengthy political career, stated this would be her final campaign. Previously serving as a congresswoman and the first Black woman Speaker in a state legislative body, Bass has faced numerous challenges since assuming the mayor’s office. These include the city’s homelessness crisis, Hollywood labor strikes, the Palisades Fire, and heightened immigration enforcement operations.
Spencer Pratt
Spencer Pratt, a newcomer to politics known for his reality TV career, entered the mayoral race following the Palisades Fire in January 2025, which destroyed his property. His criticism of local politicians, as well as his vocal social media presence, has characterized his campaign.
Endorsed indirectly by President Trump, Pratt has criticized Bass’s “Inside Safe” program and proposed providing mandatory treatment for the homeless. He continues to position himself as an alternative, suggesting a significant change in direction for the city.
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