Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced her endorsement of Councilmember Nithya Raman's mayoral campaign on Tuesday, providing a significant boost to Raman's efforts in the San Fernando Valley and on the Westside. This backing is particularly valuable for Raman, who has faced challenges in securing endorsements from her City Hall colleagues.
The endorsement comes as Raman trails incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in support from fellow council members, with thirteen of them backing Bass and one expressing reservations about the incumbent. Horvath, representing a district of two million constituents, stated that Raman's approach to critical issues such as homelessness, housing affordability, and emergency preparedness would challenge the status quo.
Horvath commented on Raman's political standing, noting, "It’s been said that she doesn’t have many friends at City Hall, and I know what that feels like. When you take on institutional inertia and decades of refusal to change, that kind of shake-up can feel disruptive to people. But I think that’s the kind of leadership people are clamoring for in Los Angeles right now."
This endorsement could provide Raman with a new counterpoint to Mayor Bass's assertions about Raman's ability to collaborate with other political leaders. It may also open new avenues for Raman in areas of Horvath's district that previously supported former mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt. Horvath plans to formally discuss her endorsement with Raman during a joint appearance.
Despite this alliance, Mayor Bass is expected to retain a substantial lead in political endorsements, including those from the other four county supervisors and Sheriff Robert Luna. The relationship between Horvath and Bass has evolved from amicable to adversarial, notably following the January 2025 Palisades fire. Horvath publicly expressed frustration with Bass's handling of the aftermath, and later criticized the city's record on homelessness as "indefensible."
Mayor Bass has, in turn, criticized county officials, including Horvath, for redirecting over $300 million from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to a new county agency focused on homelessness. Bass argued that such bureaucratic expansion might hinder efforts to end homelessness. Both Bass and Raman, along with four other council members, had previously expressed concerns about the county's decision, warning of significant disruption to the city's homelessness initiatives.
Raman has also voiced concerns regarding the county's management of mental health services for the city's homeless population. Horvath acknowledged disagreements between city and county leadership but emphasized a shared commitment to improving the system. "It’s no secret that Nithya and I don’t agree on everything," Horvath said. "But we do have respect and regard for one another in our respective positions, and a commitment to make sure that the county and city overcome the mistakes and failures of the past." Raman's mayoral campaign has also garnered endorsements from City Controller Kenneth Mejia, school board member Rocio Rivas, and former elected officials such as Bernard C. Parks and Laura Chick.
