Crowded Field Emerges for 2026 L.A. Mayoral Race

Incumbent Karen Bass faces challenges from left and right in what could be a dramatic election

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The ballot is now finalized for the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election, with a crowded field of candidates vying to lead the city. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who was elected in 2022 as the city's first female and second Black mayor, is facing challenges from both the left and the right as she seeks re-election.

Why it matters

The 2026 L.A. mayoral race will be a closely watched contest, with the winner inheriting a city grappling with issues like homelessness, public safety, and the aftermath of the 2025 fires. The diverse field of candidates reflects the city's political divisions and the high stakes of the election.

The details

In addition to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, the mayoral ballot includes a range of candidates from across the political spectrum. On the left, community organizer Nithya Raman and Democratic Socialists of America member Huang are challenging Bass from a more progressive stance. On the right, reality TV star and Republican Pratt is running on a platform critical of the city's handling of the 2025 fires. Other candidates include tech entrepreneur Adam Miller and a number of lesser-known contenders.

  • The 2026 L.A. mayoral election will be held on November 5, 2026.
  • The ballot was finalized on February 7, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The incumbent mayor of Los Angeles, elected in 2022 as the city's first female and second Black mayor. She has focused on issues like homelessness and public safety during her tenure.

Huang

A community organizer, minister, and member of the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. She is the deputy director of Housing Now California, a coalition that fights displacement of tenants.

Adam Miller

The co-founder of Better Angels, a nonprofit focused on preventing homelessness and building affordable housing. He is a tech executive who made a fortune developing education software.

Pratt

A Republican candidate who has received praise from Trump supporters. He has focused heavily on the city's handling of the 2025 fires, which destroyed his home. He has starred in reality TV shows like 'The Hills' and 'Laguna Beach.'

Nithya Raman

A Los Angeles City Council member who was elected in 2020 with support from the Democratic Socialists of America. She is aligned with YIMBY groups that want to increase housing production in the city.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 L.A. mayoral race is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest that will test the city's political divisions and the next mayor's ability to address pressing issues like homelessness, public safety, and disaster response. The diverse field of candidates reflects the complexity of the challenges facing Los Angeles.