Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has faced criticism for her comments on homeless encampments, as the city awaits final results from the primary election. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass secured less than 50% of the vote, forcing a runoff in November against either Raman or reality TV star Spencer Pratt.
With over 60% of ballots counted, Pratt leads Raman by nearly seven percentage points. However, California's mail-in voting system means a final outcome may take days or weeks. Raman urged patience, telling supporters: 'Many thousands of votes will be counted in the days ahead.'
Bass has pledged to address homelessness and build more housing if re-elected. She declared a state of emergency on homelessness in her first month in office, but her tenure has been marred by criticism over the January 2025 wildfires, which killed at least 31 people. Bass was in Ghana during the disaster and later called the trip a 'mistake.'
Pratt, a former reality TV star and registered Republican, has attacked Bass's handling of the wildfires. He entered the race after losing his own home in the Pacific Palisades fire. Critics cite his lack of political experience, but Pratt argues his local roots qualify him.
Raman, a progressive city council member, has focused on housing and homelessness issues. She has cautioned against premature conclusions, emphasizing the need to count all votes before determining the runoff opponent.
