Raman wins LA Mayor’s race; Bass concedes, promises smooth transition

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) - Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman ousted Karen Bass today as she emerged victorious in the race for Los Angeles mayor, making her the first mayoral challenger to defeat an incumbent since 2005

The latest figures released Thursday by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office showed Raman with 429,450 votes, or 52.1%, while Bass had 394,796 votes, or 47.9%. As of Thursday morning, Raman had a 34,654-vote lead, up from 26,124 on Wednesday night.   

Raman is widely expected to continue extending her lead since her main support base -- younger, progressive voters -- tend to cast their ballots later in the election cycle, and those are the ballots now being tallied by the county.

"Los Angeles, I'm deeply honored to be your next mayor,'' Raman said in a video statement. "Thank you to the thousands of people who knocked on doors, sent texts, made phone calls, convinced their neighbors to believe in the promise of this big, beautiful, joyful city that we get to call home.

"I also wanted to pay tribute to Mayor Karen Bass, someone who has given decades of her life to making this city what it is today. To every voter out there who voted for Mayor Bass or who chose not to vote in this election at all, please know this: I am going to City Hall to work every single day to earn your trust, and to earn your trust in this city again.  

"I love this city, and I love its people, and I cannot wait to get started on building a better future together with all of you. Thank you so much, Los Angeles,'' Raman concluded in her video statement.

Just before midday Thursday, Bass issued a statement conceding defeat.   

"While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken,'' Bass said. "I have called Council member Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I have committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs
from all of us.  

"Four years ago, you elected as the first Black woman mayor in the history of Los Angeles. You gave me the honor of serving the city that raised me, and every single day since, I have carried that responsibility with me.''   

"I love Los Angeles. I believe in Los Angeles. And I will continue to ensure the promise of a better life belongs to all of us. Thank you.''   

In 2005, then-City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa defeated James K. Hahn, who was seeking reelection for a second term. Two decades later Raman repeated that feat.