Karen Bass Faces Surprise Left-Wing Challenge in LA Mayor Race

City Council member Nithya Raman enters race, turning primary into "progressive purity contest"

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The filing deadline for the Los Angeles mayor race closed last Saturday, and the contest looks very different than the cakewalk Karen Bass expected. Billionaire developer Rick Caruso and others opted not to run, but Bass is now facing a serious challenge from the left in City Council member Nithya Raman. Raman's entry turns the primary into a "progressive purity contest" - a nightmare scenario for the Democratic incumbent, who is being criticized not for being too moderate, but for the city's visible decline under her leadership.

Why it matters

This race highlights the growing influence of the progressive left in deep-blue cities like Los Angeles, where frustration with government performance can fuel insurgent challenges to establishment Democrats. Bass, a close ally of Nancy Pelosi, is being attacked not over ideology but competence, as the city grapples with issues like homelessness, public safety, and a sense of overall decline.

The details

Raman, who ousted a Democratic incumbent in 2020 with backing from the Democratic Socialists of America, is tapping into the same activist network to challenge Bass from the left. While Bass is not considered a centrist, she is seen as part of the entrenched bureaucracy that has failed to address the city's problems. Raman and her supporters argue that Bass's progressive policies have not delivered progressive results, making her vulnerable to a left-wing revolt.

  • The filing deadline for the Los Angeles mayor race closed at noon last Saturday (February 4, 2026).

The players

Karen Bass

The incumbent Democratic mayor of Los Angeles, who was expected to cruise to re-election but is now facing a surprise challenge from her left flank.

Nithya Raman

A Los Angeles City Council member who is challenging Bass in the mayoral primary, tapping into a network of progressive activists to mount an insurgent campaign.

Spencer Pratt

A former reality TV star who is also running for mayor, challenging Bass on issues like wildfire response and public safety.

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What they’re saying

“To activists, she doesn't look like a reformer. She looks like the establishment.”

— Jon Fleischman, Longtime California political strategist (nypost.com)

“Ironically, socialism would make all of the city's pathologies worse.”

— Jon Fleischman, Longtime California political strategist (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles mayoral primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with a runoff election (if needed) in November 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the growing power of the progressive left in deep-blue cities, where frustration with government performance can fuel insurgent challenges to establishment Democrats like Karen Bass. The outcome could have significant implications for the direction of Los Angeles, as voters weigh competence and results over ideology.