Nithya Raman Moves Ahead of Karen Bass in Los Angeles Mayor’s Race, but No Winner Has Been Called

The Los Angeles mayoral race shifted on November 4 as City Councilmember Nithya Raman moved from behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass to a growing lead in the ongoing count. NBC Los Angeles reported that, as of Wednesday afternoon, about 66.6% of the city’s expected vote had been counted. Raman had 405,193 votes, or 51.7%, while Bass had 379,069 votes, or 48.3%, a margin of 26,124 votes.

The NBC News Decision Desk continued to list the contest as too early to call. Los Angeles County was still processing mail ballots and other outstanding votes, and the current lead is not a certified result. Bass had led in the first election-night returns before later batches moved Raman ahead.

The count reverses as Raman moves from behind to the lead

The first results released on election night showed Bass ahead by roughly 51% to 49%. As additional ballots were added, Raman overtook her early Wednesday. NBC’s account of county results showed Raman leading by about 16,594 votes in the morning. The afternoon update widened the margin to 26,124.

The figures represent different points in the counting process and should not be combined as if they were a single tally. The 405,193 votes for Raman and 379,069 for Bass were reported in the afternoon, when about 66.6% of expected ballots had been counted. County election officials had not declared a winner.

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder releases results in batches as ballots are processed. The schedule means that a candidate’s lead can change when later mail and vote-center ballots are added. The county’s results page remains the official source for updated totals.

Housing, homelessness and public safety define the contest

The race has focused on housing affordability, homelessness, public safety and the city’s response to the 2025 Palisades fire. Bass has defended her record as mayor and emphasized policing and city services. Raman has criticized the city’s handling of homelessness and the aftermath of the fire, arguing that Los Angeles needs a different approach to municipal leadership.

Raman has said she would replace Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell if elected. The police union strongly criticized that position and warned that her policies would weaken policing. That is the union’s characterization of her approach; it should not be confused with a statement that Raman has proposed eliminating the police department or all police funding.

Public safety became one of the most contentious parts of the campaign. The candidates also disagreed over how quickly the city should change its approach to encampments, street outreach and emergency response.

Two Democrats offer different approaches to city government

Bass is the incumbent and a former member of Congress and speaker of the California Assembly. She received support from prominent Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, and argued that her experience and existing city programs should be given more time.

Raman is a member of the Los Angeles City Council and has support from progressive organizations and Democratic Socialists of America. She campaigned for more substantial changes to housing, homelessness and policing policy. The Associated Press described the contest as a test of the divide between the Democratic establishment and its progressive wing.

A Raman victory would increase the influence of progressive groups in Los Angeles city government. A Bass victory would indicate that voters preferred to keep the current mayor and her governing approach. Because both candidates are Democrats, the race is less about a partisan change in control than about the city’s policy direction.

More ballots remain, and county officials will keep updating results

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder said results would continue to be released in batches, with updates scheduled for 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday. Mail ballots, votes cast at vote centers on Election Day and other ballots requiring processing will affect the final margin. The county has not issued a certified winner in the mayoral contest.

The election will shape policy in the nation’s second-largest city over the next four years, including housing, public safety, policing, services for people living on the streets and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games. The city’s next mayor will also face pressure to show that campaign promises can translate into changes in daily life.

What is confirmed is that Raman moved ahead in the later count and expanded her lead in the Wednesday afternoon update. What is not confirmed is the final result. Until the county completes its count, election analysts make a call and the result is formally certified, Raman should be described as leading rather than elected mayor.