Karen Bass and Nithya Raman in Tight Race for L.A. Mayor in Early Returns

Karen Bass and Nithya Raman are in a tight race for L.A. mayor in early returns, and the race may not be called for days.

Bass was expected to speak at the Los Angeles County Democratic Party celebration. Bass held a narrow, 1-point lead in the initial ballots — which could be precarious given how well Raman performed with late-arriving ballots in the primary.

The Kalshi odds, which had been slightly favoring Bass before the first ballots were counted, tipped heavily in Raman’s favor afterward. But Bass’ allies sought to convey an upbeat note.

“The mayor — her closing has been really, really strong,” said Mark Ramos, chair of the county party, which endorsed Bass. “I think we’re going to get a good return when those ballots start begin to get counted. I think the mayor got a real wind at her back the last couple weeks.”

Bass has faced a considerable challenge in winning back voters who are upset about homelessness, civic disorder, and her handling of the 2025 Palisades fire. She has sought to acknowledge mistakes while warning that Raman, a lefty councilwoman, would be worse.

Raman, for her part, has cast herself as an outsider going up against a City Hall establishment that is mired in self-serving mediocrity. She has attacked Bass’ record in office and argued that L.A. should set a higher standard.

Raman has been critical of Bass’ handling of the exodus of film and TV jobs, saying that Bass was late to appoint a liaison to the industry and noting the appointee is not full-time. She has pledged to staff a full film office to serve the industry.

Both candidates have also said they will champion unlimited film and TV tax credits at the state level, and push for a federal tax incentive to put the U.S. on equal footing with countries abroad.

Raman had the backing of the Writers Guild of America West, of which her husband is a member; Bass was endorsed by the Hollywood Teamsters, IATSE and the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.