Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman secured the endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles chapter on Wednesday in her effort to defeat Mayor Karen Bass, according to LAist.
The organization, recognized for its effective neighborhood outreach operations, chose Raman after she captured more than 60 percent of votes in an online ballot that attracted 1,400 participants from over 6,000 regional members.
The decision delivers substantial campaign assistance in an expected tight contest yet leaves Raman vulnerable to claims that her views place her outside the mainstream for many city voters.
“With Raman at the top of the ticket, DSA-LA is organizing to unite tenants, union members, immigrant communities, and working Angelenos behind a slate that can break corporate interests’ grip on city government,” the group stated.
Raman, an organization member first elected to the council in 2020 with its assistance, drew a response from the Bass campaign that focused on her stances regarding homeless encampments near schools and public safety funding.
Political analysts described the endorsement as potentially divisive, noting it could distance Raman from moderate voters who backed conservative candidate Spencer Pratt in the primary, while a separate endorsement from Unite HERE Local 11 underscores her labor support.
Bass continues to hold endorsements from most major unions, the local Democratic Party, and the Chamber of Commerce.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/politics/democratic-socialists-endorse-raman-in-la-mayoral-contest