Raman Takes Narrow Lead in L.A. Mayor Race as Counts Continue

Nithya Raman overtook Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race Wednesday morning, according to preliminary tallies.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office reported that Raman had received 338,740 votes, representing 50.30% of the total. Bass trailed with 334,762 votes, or 49.70%. The gap between the two candidates stands at 398 votes.

County officials expect to continue processing ballots through the coming weeks. Because of the small margin and the volume of remaining votes, the final winner could remain undecided well into November. This extends the period of uncertainty for the city’s leadership.

Political analysts noted that the shift in momentum aligns with demographic voting patterns. They observed that Raman’s base skews younger. These voters typically cast their ballots closer to Election Day. Conversely, Bass’s early lead on Tuesday relied heavily on older voters who tended to vote earlier in the cycle.

Bass addressed supporters at an event in Hollywood on Tuesday night. She emphasized her four-year tenure and her efforts to manage the aftermath of last year’s wildfires. She also cited her opposition to federal immigration raids and initiatives to reduce homelessness.

“Four years ago, you gave me the honor of a lifetime to serve as the mayor of the city that raised me,” Bass said. “And every single day, I have carried that responsibility with me.”

Raman spoke to her own supporters at Griffith Park. She framed the election as a choice for change against a stagnant status quo. “They are angry about a broken status quo and the politicians who failed them over and over again,” Raman said. “But change feels good, doesn’t it?”

The campaign saw intense competition for undecided voters in the final days. A poll released last week by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Affairs showed both candidates at 40% support among likely voters, with 19% undecided. That survey marked a narrowing of the gap from a September poll where Raman led by 11 points.

The race has featured debates over public safety and city management. Bass’s campaign and allied political action committees criticized Raman for calling for the removal of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. Raman also faced questions regarding her comments on the LAPD’s history under former Chief Daryl Gates, a topic tied to the 1992 riots and the Rodney King case. Raman clarified that she referred to a specific directive on immigration enforcement.

Bass has positioned herself as the candidate to continue progress on housing and affordability. Raman has criticized Bass for what she described as budget-busting contracts, including a billion-dollar police salary agreement and downtown convention center upgrades. Raman’s plan focuses on housing production and reducing the cost of living. Both candidates targeted specific voter groups, including Black and Latino communities, to secure their final push before the deadline.