The Los Angeles mayoral contest between Councilwoman Nithya Raman and Mayor Karen Bass has drawn fresh attention after the Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles chapter endorsed Raman. The move comes in a race already characterized by pointed exchanges between two city hall veterans, as reported by ABC7 Los Angeles.
Raman welcomed the support as confirmation of her appeal across different groups. In a statement she said she is proud that DSA-LA is joining a broad coalition of residents committed to making the city function better and ensuring that everyone can afford to build a life there.
The Bass campaign countered by pointing to Raman's past votes. A spokesperson said Raman has argued that children are not safer when encampments sit 500 feet from schools and has repeatedly supported cuts to basic public safety funding, positions the campaign said she now seeks to revise.
Analysts view the endorsement as a source of added visibility and volunteer energy for Raman. USC Annenberg professor Christina Bellantoni noted that the backing could generate headlines and increase door-knocking and phone-banking efforts that might ultimately produce more votes for change in city governance.
Bellantoni also predicted the Bass side would turn the endorsement into attack material. She said the mayor's campaign could use it to argue that Raman's positions would harm Los Angeles and to paint the support as a liability.
The DSA has held influence in Los Angeles since 2020 and accounts for nearly one third of the city council. Despite that presence, every DSA member currently serving on the council has endorsed Bass instead of Raman.
This report is based on coverage by ABC7 Los Angeles: https://abc7.com/post/nithya-raman-points-democratic-socialists-america-la-endorsement-proof-broad-coalition/19786369/