LA Mayor Race 2024: Nithya Raman Enters, Horvath & Bass Compete

Nithya Raman launches late challenge to incumbent Karen Bass in crowded field of mayoral candidates

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman officially entered the race for mayor of Los Angeles on Saturday, launching a late challenge to incumbent Karen Bass just hours before the filing deadline. Raman joins a diverse group of contenders including former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, Housing Now California deputy director Rae Huang, and veteran city engineer Asaad Alnajjar. Raman cited rising housing costs, a struggling homelessness system, and public safety concerns as key issues facing the city.

Why it matters

The unusually crowded field of mayoral candidates reflects broader tensions facing Los Angeles, including issues related to wildfire recovery, homelessness, public safety, affordability, and trust in government. Raman's entry adds another layer of complexity to the race, which is seen as a significant test for Bass, who has faced challenges during her first year in office.

The details

Raman, who represents areas stretching from the San Fernando Valley to Silver Lake, unveiled her campaign during a press conference. According to Raman, Los Angeles 'is at a breaking point,' and residents are feeling the strain in fundamental ways. She expressed concern that the city 'is no longer a place of opportunity,' citing rising housing costs, a struggling homelessness system, and public safety concerns as key issues.

  • Raman officially entered the race on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • The filing deadline for the mayoral race is Saturday, February 7, 2026 at noon.

The players

Nithya Raman

Los Angeles City Councilmember who represents areas from the San Fernando Valley to Silver Lake and has officially entered the 2024 mayoral race.

Karen Bass

Incumbent mayor of Los Angeles who is seeking a second term in the June 2 primary election.

Spencer Pratt

Former reality television personality who is also running for mayor of Los Angeles.

Rae Huang

Deputy director of Housing Now California who is running for mayor of Los Angeles.

Asaad Alnajjar

Veteran city engineer who is running for mayor of Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“Housing costs are forcing families out of the city, a homelessness system that lacks clear ownership and accountability is leaving people stuck in crisis while the city cycles from emergency to emergency.”

— Nithya Raman, Los Angeles City Councilmember (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The June 2 primary election will be a significant test for incumbent mayor Karen Bass as she faces a crowded field of challengers, including late entrant Nithya Raman.

The takeaway

The 2024 Los Angeles mayoral race reflects deep dissatisfaction with the current direction of the city, with a diverse group of candidates vying to address issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and public safety. Raman's entry adds a new dynamic to the contest, which will be closely watched as a barometer of the city's political landscape.