Los Angeles Residents Seek More Progressive Leadership, Poll Shows
A recent survey conducted by Loyola Marymount University's Center for the Study of Los Angeles has revealed a significant shift in voter sentiment, with Angelenos expressing a strong preference for a Democratic Socialist mayor over the current moderate Democratic leadership. The poll, which involved 370 registered voters, indicates that nearly half of respondents favour a mayor from the Democratic Socialist political alignment.
Poll Results Highlight Progressive Leanings
The Loyola Marymount poll asked participants which political party they wanted their mayor to represent. The results were striking: 50 percent of respondents preferred a Democratic Socialist, while only 25 percent opted for a moderate Democrat, and a mere 8 percent supported an establishment Democrat. Less than 20 percent expressed a desire for a conservative politician.
In a head-to-head comparison, City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, garnered 33 percent support among those polled. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, received only 17 percent. This marks the first time in recent polling that Bass has not led the field.
Candidate Profiles and Voter Education
Fernando Guerra, director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles, explained that the poll provided voters with descriptions of each candidate, including their occupations and proposed policies, before they made their selection. 'All we’re trying to do is simulate what would happen with a little bit of education about these candidates,' Guerra told KPCC. 'Most polls, they just give the name.'
The poll did not include an undecided option, a decision Guerra said was intended to 'force' respondents to give an answer. He also noted that only positive descriptors were used for each candidate. Despite the results, Guerra acknowledged that Bass remains the frontrunner when considering other surveys.
Key Issues and Campaign Dynamics
Nithya Raman has been labelled a progressive member of the city council, with her main policy focuses being affordability and addressing the homelessness crisis. She entered the mayoral race in February, just before the final deadline, and has previously been endorsed twice by the Democratic Socialists of America for her council seat.
Mayor Karen Bass, described in the poll as an incumbent and veteran legislator, is also concentrating on homelessness. However, her tenure has been criticised for failing to significantly reduce homelessness despite substantial funding. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, homelessness in 2025 stood at 67,777 people, a decrease of only 141 individuals despite approximately $516 million being allocated to the issue.
Reactions and Historical Context
Alex Stack, a spokesperson for Bass's campaign, dismissed the poll as 'ridiculous,' pointing to historical inaccuracies. 'In 2022, this same LMU poll had Karen Bass at 16 percent - she ended up winning the primary with 43 percent,' he told The Los Angeles Times.
Raman, meanwhile, celebrated the poll results on social media, writing: 'OUR CAMPAIGN IS SURGING... Angelenos are ready for a city that actually works.'
Broader Political Landscape
The June primary will see Bass and Raman competing against a crowded field of candidates. Other notable contenders include leftist activist Rae Huang, who registered 16 percent support in the poll, tech executive Adam Miller at 13 percent, and reality star Spencer Pratt at 12 percent.
Guerra summarised the poll's findings by stating that Angelenos are 'much more progressive than its elected leadership,' a sentiment that the survey appears to capture. If the trend holds, Bass could become the first Los Angeles mayor in over two decades not to secure re-election.
