Nithya Raman, a progressive Los Angeles city council member, has secured a spot in the November runoff for mayor, edging out former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. She will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the general election.
Primary Results and Runoff
Pratt initially held a lead over Raman for several days after the June 2 primary, but as ballot processing continued, Raman pulled ahead. Bass, who is seeking another term leading America's second-largest city, had already secured enough votes to advance on election night.
Bass's campaign released a statement Monday night after Raman's advancement. "A campaign against Nithya Raman, who allows encampments near schools and cuts the police force, is one Mayor Bass looks forward to winning," said strategist Douglas Herman.
Election Processing and Misinformation
With many Democratic voters holding their ballots until the final days and California's thorough ballot processing, results for some major races remain unclear. In the governor's race, voters await whether Republican Steve Hilton or Democrat Tom Steyer will advance to face former Biden cabinet official Xavier Becerra, who already secured his spot.
Misinformation about election integrity has proliferated. Former President Donald Trump walked out of an NBC interview after making false claims about California's election, calling it "crooked." Pratt hinted at conspiracy theories on social media, suggesting Raman's lead came from votes by the city's unhoused population.
Pratt's Campaign and Background
Pratt, a political novice, surged in polls with controversial campaign videos and social media attacks on his rivals. However, his lack of political experience and status as a registered Republican in deep-blue Los Angeles dogged his campaign.
Raman's Late Entry
Raman entered the race hours before the February filing deadline, surprising many. She had previously endorsed Bass's re-election bid, and the two had praised each other in past social media posts. Bass once called Raman "a perfect example of how elected officials should be," and Raman expressed gratitude for Bass's friendship. However, Raman has dismissed questions about their personal history, focusing instead on issues facing Los Angeles.
Key Issues for the Next Mayor
The next mayor must address the homelessness crisis, revitalize Hollywood amid a production exodus, and strengthen emergency-response programs after last year's deadly wildfires. Bass, who defeated billionaire developer Rick Caruso in 2022 to become the first woman to lead Los Angeles, faces discontent over her tenure, particularly after the 2025 wildfires. She was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana when the fires broke out, sparking calls for her resignation.
Raman, a democratic socialist, positions herself as the change needed. She unseated councilman David Ryu in 2020, encouraging leftist candidates nationwide. She highlights her record of capping rent increases and reducing encampments in her district, making housing central to her campaign.
Policy Differences
While Bass and Raman align on many issues, they differ on approaches. Bass promotes Inside Safe, a program clearing encampments and securing interim housing. Raman criticizes the program's spending without results, proposing data-driven reforms for homeless initiatives. They also clashed over Raman's votes against hiring more firefighters and an anti-homeless camping ordinance, which Raman calls a short-term fix.
Endorsements and Final Stretch
Prominent Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice-President Kamala Harris, support Bass's re-election, along with some of Raman's progressive council colleagues. Pre-election polls showed a tight race between Raman and Pratt for the second spot.
Pratt first gained fame on MTV's The Hills, known for his angry outbursts and tumultuous relationship with his now-wife, Heidi Montag. His political campaign drew on his reality TV notoriety but ultimately fell short.
