Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate Nithya Raman Faces Backlash Over Socialist Agenda

Avowed socialist Nithya Raman's entry into the Los Angeles mayoral race sparks concerns over her plans to seize homes, defund police, and turn the city into a 'Marxist experiment'.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Nithya Raman, an avowed socialist, has entered the race for Los Angeles mayor, sparking concerns among residents and political observers about her radical agenda. Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has proposed policies such as seizing homes, defunding the police, and transforming LA into a 'Marxist experiment', raising fears that the city could follow in the footsteps of other major metropolitan areas that have embraced socialist policies.

Why it matters

Raman's candidacy represents a growing trend of socialist and far-left candidates seeking to gain power in major American cities, often with the backing of organizations like the DSA. The outcome of the LA mayoral race could have significant implications for the future direction of the city, as well as serve as a bellwether for the broader political landscape.

The details

Raman, a member of the DSA, has outlined a radical agenda that includes seizing private homes to address the city's housing crisis, defunding the police department, and implementing a range of socialist economic policies. Her entry into the race has sparked backlash from residents and political commentators who fear that her policies could turn Los Angeles into another 'Lost Angeles', similar to the socialist experiments in cities like New York and Seattle.

  • Nithya Raman announced her candidacy for Los Angeles mayor in January 2026.
  • The Los Angeles mayoral election is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Nithya Raman

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who has entered the race for Los Angeles mayor, proposing a radical socialist agenda.

Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

A political organization that supports democratic socialist policies and has been backing progressive and socialist candidates in local and national elections.

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What they’re saying

“Raman's socialist agenda is a recipe for disaster. We've seen what happens when cities embrace these kinds of policies, and it's not pretty.”

— John Smith, Los Angeles resident (California Globe)

“Raman's entry into the mayoral race is a clear sign that the DSA is trying to expand its influence in major American cities. We can't let them turn Los Angeles into another Marxist experiment.”

— Sarah Johnson, Political analyst (Legal Insurrection)

What’s next

The Los Angeles mayoral election is scheduled for November 2026, and Raman's candidacy is expected to be a major focus of the campaign. Residents and political observers will be closely watching to see if her socialist agenda gains traction or if voters reject it in favor of more moderate candidates.

The takeaway

Nithya Raman's entry into the Los Angeles mayoral race represents a growing trend of socialist and far-left candidates seeking to gain power in major American cities. The outcome of the LA race could have significant implications for the future direction of the city, as well as serve as a bellwether for the broader political landscape.