Progressive Council Member Nithya Raman Launches Bid for Los Angeles Mayor
In a significant political development, Nithya Raman, a sitting member of the Los Angeles City Council and one of the city's most prominent progressive voices, has officially entered the race to become the next mayor of Los Angeles. The 44-year-old council member, who represents the city's Fourth District, made her announcement just ahead of the filing deadline, creating a high-stakes primary challenge against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.
A Shift in Political Alignment
While Raman previously endorsed Bass and called her an "icon," she now argues that Los Angeles requires "big changes" in governance. "I have deep respect for Mayor Bass. We've worked closely together on my biggest priorities and her biggest priorities, and there's significant alignment there," Raman told the Los Angeles Times. "But over the last few months in particular, I've really begun to feel like unless we have some big changes in how we do things in Los Angeles, the things we count on are not going to function anymore."
Challenging an Incumbent Under Fire
Mayor Karen Bass, 72, who is seeking a second term, has faced mounting criticism over the city's response to the devastating Palisades fire. The catastrophic event resulted in 12 fatalities and destroyed thousands of homes across affected communities. Raman's campaign will focus on several critical issues including housing affordability, homelessness solutions, government transparency, and enhancing "safety in our streets."
National Progressive Spotlight
What makes Raman's candidacy particularly noteworthy is her endorsement by the Democratic Socialists of America. This organization achieved one of the most divisive and controversial victories last fall with the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who, like Raman, is of Indian origin. This backing immediately elevates Raman to a national figure within left-leaning political circles, making her campaign one to watch closely.
Who Is Nithya Raman?
Among more than two dozen opponents spanning the political spectrum, Nithya Raman stands out as a unique candidate with diverse experiences and background.
Background and Education
Born into a Malayali family in Kerala, India, Raman moved to Louisiana at age six. She pursued higher education at prestigious institutions, earning an undergraduate degree from Harvard University followed by a Master's in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Professional and Activist Career
Urban Planning and Homelessness AdvocacyRaman worked as an urban planner focusing on slum dwellers in India until 2013, when she relocated to Los Angeles. In LA, she co-founded SELAH, a homeless coalition, after serving as co-chair of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Homelessness Committee. Her professional background gives her specialized insight into urban development challenges.
Women's Rights LeadershipRaman also served as the first executive director of Time's Up Entertainment, a women's rights organization that emerged from the #MeToo movement activism. This experience adds to her credentials as an advocate for social justice and equity.
Political Milestones
In 2020, Raman made history by becoming the first woman sworn into the Los Angeles City Council, representing the Fourth District—which includes parts of Koreatown, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and other areas of the nation's second-largest city. She is also the first Asian-American woman and first South Asian to serve on the council.
Personal Life
Raman is married to television screenwriter Vali Chandrasekaran and is mother to young twins named Karna and Kaveri. Her personal experiences as an immigrant, urban planner, homelessness activist, and parent inform her policy perspectives and political approach.
The Competitive Landscape
Raman will face a diverse field of candidates including reality television star Spencer Pratt, who was personally affected by the recent fires; Democratic socialist Rae Huang; Brentwood tech entrepreneur Adam Miller; and Asaad Alnajjar, an employee of the Bureau of Street Lighting.
Her campaign strategy aims to appeal to both younger voters demanding affordability and conservatives seeking restoration after the destructive wildfires. A significant advantage for Raman is that she maintains her council seat regardless of the mayoral election outcome, as she does not face re-election until 2028.
This political development marks a pivotal moment in Los Angeles politics, with Raman's progressive challenge to the incumbent mayor reflecting broader debates about the city's direction on critical urban issues. The upcoming election will test whether voters prefer continuity or demand the "big changes" Raman advocates for America's second-largest city.
