Democratic socialist Nithya Raman unseats Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

Raman becomes the second democratic socialist to be elected this week as mayor of a major U.S. city.

Published: November 5, 2026 3:23pm

Updated: November 5, 2026 4:24pm

Nithya Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has defeated Mayor Karen Bass and will lead the city of Los Angeles after a protracted vote tally.

The Associated Press called the race for Raman on Thursday afternoon.

Bass's reelection bid was marred by her efforts during and after the deadly 2025 Palisades wildfires.

Raman becomes the second democratic socialist to be elected this week as mayor of a major U.S. city.

On Tuesday, District of Columbia voters elected self-described democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George.

The LA mayor's race drew rare attention from Republicans this year due to the candidacy of Spencer Pratt, who ran as an outsider, but ultimately failed to make the general election.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News