LA City Councilwoman Nithya Raman announces run for mayor

Raman plans to challenge incumbent and political ally Karen Bass

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has entered the race for mayor, announcing her plans to challenge incumbent and political ally Karen Bass. Raman cited issues with affordability, housing, and homelessness as key reasons for her decision to run.

Why it matters

Raman's entry into the mayoral race sets up a potential clash between two prominent progressive politicians in Los Angeles. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's policy direction on critical issues like housing and homelessness.

The details

During a morning news conference, Raman said she and Bass share many values, but that Los Angeles faces issues with affordability and housing, among other things, that she hopes to change. Raman acknowledged that her decision to run came late, which may impact her prospects for endorsements. Bass' campaign advisor criticized Raman's mayoral bid, saying the city doesn't need a politician who opposed efforts to address homelessness.

  • Raman was elected to the LA City Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.
  • The statewide primary election is on June 2, 2026, and the general election is on November 3, 2026.

The players

Nithya Raman

Los Angeles City Councilwoman who has announced a run for mayor, challenging incumbent Karen Bass.

Karen Bass

Incumbent mayor of Los Angeles, who Raman plans to challenge in the 2026 mayoral race.

Douglas Herman

Campaign advisor for Mayor Karen Bass, who criticized Raman's mayoral bid.

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What they’re saying

“I do feel like Angelenos have really given us a lot of faith. Voted for more taxes to address affordable housing issues, to address homelessness, to address some of our biggest crises, and if we don't show results to them, I think we will lose them.”

— Nithya Raman, Los Angeles City Councilwoman

“The last thing Los Angeles needs is a politician who opposed cleaning up homeless encampments and efforts to make our city safer. Mayor Bass will continue changing L.A. by building on her track record delivering L.A.'s first sustained decrease in street homelessness, a 60 year- low in homicides, and the most aggressive agenda our city has ever seen to make our city more affordable.”

— Douglas Herman, Campaign advisor for Mayor Karen Bass

What’s next

The statewide primary election is on June 2, 2026. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face off in the general election on November 3, 2026.

The takeaway

Raman's decision to challenge her political ally, Mayor Karen Bass, sets up a potentially contentious mayoral race in Los Angeles that will likely focus on the city's pressing issues of affordability, housing, and homelessness. The outcome could have significant implications for the direction of Los Angeles' policies on these critical matters.