Nithya Raman has been declared the winner of the Los Angeles mayoral race, a result that has placed a democratic socialist at the helm of one of the world's most influential cities. The 45-year-old, who was born in India and moved to the United States at age six, expressed deep emotion upon receiving the news. She described the election of an immigrant to lead the city as a deeply moving moment in American history, noting that the city has given her and her family so much.
The victory positions Raman to implement a political vision focused on tackling the city's longstanding homelessness crisis and expanding affordable housing. Her win also contributes to a broader pattern in global urban leadership, as New York, London, and Los Angeles will now all be led by individuals of South Asian descent. Additionally, her election strengthens the progressive movement in major US cities, following similar outcomes in New York and Washington, DC.
The mayoral race took place during a significant midterm election cycle where Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress. Raman, who was backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, benefited from a strong showing for her party's endorsed candidates. The Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County celebrated her as the first Asian-American elected to lead the city, with group president Zahra Hajee stating that voters are demanding real solutions and a government that works for them.
Raman's professional background is rooted in urban planning and social advocacy. After studying at Harvard University and earning a master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she returned to India to work on urban governance in Chennai. In 2013, she relocated to Los Angeles and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting unhoused individuals with dignity and respect. She also served as the entertainment director for Time's Up for one year.
Her entry into politics began in 2019 when she defeated incumbent David Ryu to become the first DSA-backed candidate elected to the Los Angeles City Council. This year, her decision to run for mayor surprised many in the local political establishment, particularly as she reversed her earlier endorsement of incumbent Karen Bass. Raman argued that the city had reached a breaking point and was no longer a place of opportunity for many residents.
The campaign highlighted the housing crisis as a moral failing, arguing that the desensitization to people living on the streets has become routine. Raman has outlined a strategy that includes expanding medical teams for those in encampments and investing heavily in new housing. She estimates that her policies could reduce the number of people sleeping in tents or encampments by half by 2028, the year of the Olympic Games. Current data indicates that the city had approximately 44,000 homeless people in 2025.
Beyond housing, Raman has pledged to replace the city's police chief, citing a loss of confidence among residents regarding the handling of federal immigration raids by ICE. Her campaign stated that these raids have left many Angelenos afraid to live in the city where they work and raise families. This stance aligns with her broader goal of protecting the immigrant community in Los Angeles.
Despite a close vote within the DSA regarding the inclusion of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement in her platform, the organization ultimately celebrated her victory. Raman has expressed her belief that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and supports non-violent protest and diplomatic pressure as ways to show solidarity with Palestinians.
Her rise has drawn comparisons to Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York, who also has Indian roots and is a member of the DSA. Other leaders with immigrant backgrounds, such as Sadiq Khan in London and Olivia Chow in Toronto, have also served as points of reference. While Raman is flattered by the comparison to Mamdani, she maintains that she is distinct in her own right, stating in an interview that she is simply herself.
In her victory speech, Raman promised to restore an ambitious and entrepreneurial spirit to Los Angeles. She acknowledged that the status quo had convinced many residents that the city's current state was the best it could be, but she aims to change that narrative through creative and decisive leadership.
