Nithya Raman, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, has announced her candidacy for mayor, asserting that the city is "really, really struggling" and requires significant change. Raman, who has served on the council since 2020 and was reelected in 2024, highlighted her legislative achievements, particularly in tenants' rights and rent stabilization, and her previous role chairing the Housing and Homelessness Committee.
Raman's entry into the mayoral race, occurring late in the election cycle, has reportedly alienated some of her City Council colleagues, many of whom have endorsed incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. In an interview, Raman reflected on her tenure, identifying the expansion of tenant protections, including universal just cause eviction safeguards and increased relocation assistance, as her most significant accomplishment. She also noted the creation of a landlord database mandate to facilitate proactive outreach to individuals facing eviction.
Addressing Mayor Bass's performance, Raman cited fiscal mismanagement and a lack of departmental oversight as key failures. She specifically criticized the city's response to the Palisades fire, pointing to inadequate preparation and a slow recovery effort as reasons for diminished public faith in the current leadership.
Raman acknowledged a personal misstep regarding her efforts to reform Measure ULA, the city's "mansion tax." She stated that her approach, which involved extensive behind-the-scenes discussions with a limited number of coalition members, failed to build broader support for her proposed reforms. This lack of comprehensive outreach, she conceded, generated confusion and unnecessary friction within the council and among allies.
Regarding public safety, Raman clarified her stance on police funding, stating that her views have evolved since past "defund the police" rhetoric. She emphasized her voting record, which has supported maintaining and expanding police staffing levels. However, she also stressed the importance of balanced budgeting to ensure funding for other essential city services, including streetlights and 911 call operators, which are critical for public safety and government trust.
On the issue of homelessness, Raman suggested that a coordinated approach, potentially modeled after San Francisco's efforts, involving outreach workers and police working in tandem to offer services without immediate arrest, could be an effective strategy. She acknowledged the complexities of enforcement when individuals refuse assistance, noting that existing laws provide pathways for response.
Raman also discussed her engagement with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), characterizing them as a valuable partner in her legislative work, particularly on tenant protections. She stated her commitment to collaborating with diverse organizations and constituents, regardless of whether their demands are fully met, viewing such engagement as fundamental to her role as an elected representative.
When asked about inspirational figures in Los Angeles political history, Raman cited various leaders, including Tom LaBonge for his passion, Tom Bradley for his vision, Richard Riordan for his charter reform efforts, James K. Hahn for his ability to maintain unity, Antonio Villaraigosa for his advocacy, and Eric Garcetti for his transportation vision.
Raman concluded by expressing her deep commitment to Los Angeles, stating that her mayoral bid is her final electoral ambition. She reiterated her motivation stems from a genuine concern for the city's current challenges and a desire to implement positive changes.
