Nithya Raman projected to win Los Angeles mayoral race
The Indian-origin politician is set to become the city's first Asian-American mayor after defeating incumbent Karen Bass.
Indian-origin politician Nithya Raman is projected to win the Los Angeles mayoral race, defeating incumbent Karen Bass, according to Decision Desk HQ. The projection, announced on November 5, marks a significant upset in the contest for the second-most populous city in the United States.
Raman, 45, secured 51.1 per cent of the vote, while the 73-year-old Bass received 48.33 per cent, according to figures cited by Moneycontrol and News18. While Bass appeared to lead after the first batches of votes were counted on Tuesday night, Raman gained ground in subsequent updates to take a narrow lead.
If confirmed, Raman will become the first Asian-American mayor of Los Angeles and the second woman elected to the city's highest office. Her campaign focused on affordability and municipal utilities, gaining momentum following an endorsement from Controller Kenneth Mejia.
Born in Kerala in 1981, Raman moved to the United States at age six and became a naturalised American citizen at 22. She holds a degree from Harvard University and a master's degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Raman previously founded the urban research firm Transparent Chennai and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition after moving to Los Angeles in 2013. She also served as the executive director of Time's Up Entertainment. She is set to lead the city as it prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games.
