Raman Joins Crowded Field to Challenge Bass for LA Mayor

Incumbent Karen Bass faces surprise challenge from progressive Councilmember Nithya Raman in 2026 race

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a surprise move, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman announced her candidacy for mayor just before the filing deadline, joining a crowded field that includes incumbent Mayor Karen Bass as well as political newcomers Rae Huang and Adam Miller. Raman's entry shakes up what was previously seen as a smooth path to re-election for Bass, the city's first female mayor.

Why it matters

The race for LA mayor is a high-stakes contest that will shape the city's policies on key issues like homelessness, housing, and public safety. Raman's progressive platform presents a clear contrast to Bass's more moderate approach, and her entry into the race injects new energy and uncertainty into what was expected to be a straightforward re-election bid.

The details

Raman, a former urban planner who was elected to the City Council in 2020, has established herself as a leading progressive voice on the council. She has pushed for stronger renter protections and supported the YIMBY movement's calls for more dense housing. However, Raman also faced backlash when she proposed exempting newer apartments from a 'mansion tax'. Raman said her decision to run came from seeing the city fail to deliver on basic services. Meanwhile, Bass has touted her work on homelessness and affordable housing, but has faced criticism over fire recovery efforts and her response to federal immigration enforcement actions.

  • Raman announced her mayoral candidacy just hours before the filing deadline on February 10, 2026.
  • The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The incumbent mayor of Los Angeles, Bass is the city's first female mayor. She has weathered a politically turbulent time in office, facing criticism over issues like homelessness and fire recovery, but is still considered the frontrunner in the race.

Nithya Raman

A Los Angeles City Councilmember representing the 4th district, Raman is a progressive who has pushed for stronger renter protections and supported the YIMBY movement. Her surprise entry into the mayoral race presents a challenge to Bass's re-election bid.

Rae Huang

A democratic socialist, community organizer, and minister, Huang is a newcomer to LA politics seeking to oust incumbent Mayor Karen Bass from the left with her populist policies.

Adam Miller

An entrepreneur and CEO of the non-profit Better Angels, Miller is running on a platform focused on housing affordability, job opportunities, and updating first responder systems.

Spencer Pratt

A reality TV personality, Pratt announced his candidacy for mayor on the anniversary of the Pacific Palisades fire that burned down his home. Pratt, a registered Republican, has publicly lambasted Bass's leadership in LA.

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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)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.