Left-winger beats Trump-backed Republican to advance to LA mayor runoff
Nithya Raman, a left-wing candidate who ran on a democratic socialist platform will face incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election in November. Her surprise primary success knocks the …
Nithya Raman, a left-wing candidate who ran on a democratic socialist platform will face incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election in N
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
The outcome signals a potential shift in Los Angeles’ political landscape, where progressive movements are gaining traction against establishment-backed candidates. It also highlights the growing influence of democratic socialism in urban politics, even in a city long dominated by moderate Democratic leadership. The result could embolden similar left-wing challenges across major U.S. cities ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
Background Context
Los Angeles has historically leaned toward pragmatic, pro-business Democratic leadership, with incumbents often securing endorsements from labor unions and corporate interests alike. The city’s housing crisis and stark inequality have fueled discontent, creating fertile ground for progressive challengers. Raman’s platform—prioritizing rent control, public housing, and police reform—reflects a growing demand for systemic change in a metropolis where wealth disparities are increasingly visible.
What Happens Next
Bass, the incumbent, will likely pivot to a more progressive stance to consolidate support from the Democratic base, while Raman will need to broaden her appeal beyond core left-wing voters. The runoff’s timing—just months before the 2024 presidential election—could force national Democratic leaders to weigh in on the intraparty divide. A Raman victory would mark a historic moment for democratic socialists, while a Bass win may signal the limits of their momentum in deeply entrenched political systems.
Bigger Picture
This race fits a broader pattern of progressive upsets in blue cities, where grassroots movements are challenging traditional Democratic power structures. It underscores the tension between electoral pragmatism and movement-driven politics, a dynamic playing out from Chicago to Seattle. The outcome may also influence how corporate donors and political action committees strategize ahead of future municipal contests nationwide.
