Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has conceded her reelection bid to City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who is set to become the city’s first Indian American mayor. Bass acknowledged Raman’s victory on Thursday and expressed her commitment to a smooth transition at City Hall.
Karen Bass Concedes to Nithya Raman in Mayoral Race
In a statement, Bass said, “While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken.” She congratulated Raman and emphasized the need for collaboration to move the city forward. Raman’s victory marks a significant political shift, as she is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and has unseated an incumbent mayor who had considerable support from the political establishment.
Nithya Raman’s Historic Win and Future Plans
Raman, 45, expressed her gratitude to supporters in a pre-recorded video, stating she is “deeply honored” to be the next mayor. She thanked those who campaigned for her and acknowledged Bass’s contributions to the city. Raman pledged to earn the trust of all residents, including those who voted for Bass or did not participate in the election, saying, “I am going to City Hall to work every single day to earn your trust.”
As of Thursday morning, Raman had received 429,450 votes, representing 52.10 percent of the total, while Bass garnered 394,796 votes, or 47.90 percent, according to the Los Angeles County registrar’s office. Raman’s lead has increased to 34,654 votes, up from a 26,124 vote advantage reported the previous afternoon. Although Bass has conceded, additional ballots are still being counted and the results have not yet been certified.
Election officials reported a total of 2,389,072 ballots counted countywide, reflecting a voter turnout of 40.44 percent. The next update on the election results is expected between 4 and 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Background on the Los Angeles Mayoral Race
This election follows the recent trend of Indian American politicians gaining prominence in major U.S. cities, with Raman’s win coming shortly after Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor of New York City. The political landscape in Los Angeles has been notably influenced by various controversies during Bass’s tenure, including her handling of the 2025 Palisades incident.
The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the city’s governance and progressive policies, as Raman aims to implement her agenda with a focus on community engagement and trust-building.
