Nithya Raman will become the next mayor of Los Angeles, defeating Karen Bass. (via CNN)

Los Angeles is preparing for a major political transition after Nithya Raman defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in a closely watched mayoral election, marking a significant shift in the city’s political landscape.

According to CNN’s Decision Desk, Raman, a progressive Democratic Socialist and Los Angeles City Council member, is projected to defeat Bass, bringing an end to the incumbent mayor’s bid for another term.

The election result represents a remarkable political breakthrough for Raman, who entered the mayoral contest after initially being viewed as an unlikely challenger to Bass. Her campaign gained momentum by attracting younger voters and residents demanding a different approach to the city’s longstanding challenges.

Raman reportedly secured approximately 52% of the vote, compared with Bass’s 48%, according to the latest available election figures.

Bass subsequently conceded the race, congratulating Raman on her victory and expressing her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power.

The defeat is particularly significant for Bass, who made history in 2022 as the first Black woman elected mayor of Los Angeles. Her administration faced growing criticism over homelessness, public safety, housing affordability and the city’s response to the devastating January 2025 wildfires.

Raman, meanwhile, built her campaign around promises to improve basic city services, expand affordable housing, address homelessness and make local government more accountable to residents.

One of her most ambitious commitments is to reduce street homelessness by half before Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympic Games.

Her victory also carries broader political significance. With progressive candidates gaining influence across major American cities, Raman’s election signals the growing strength of voters seeking alternatives to traditional political leadership.

Born in India, Raman moved to the United States as a child. She studied at Harvard University before earning a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

As Los Angeles prepares for a new administration, attention will now turn to whether Raman can deliver on her campaign promises and address the complicated issues facing America’s second-largest city.

For Bass, the result marks the end of her time as mayor, while Raman prepares to take on one of the most influential municipal leadership positions in the United States.

The coming months will reveal how the mayor-elect intends to turn her campaign commitments into concrete changes for millions of Los Angeles residents.