LA’s newer, bluer wave: Nithya Raman leads way as city’s progressives make their mark

Key Points:

• Nithya Raman, the first democratic socialist on the Los Angeles city council, won the mayoral race against incumbent Karen Bass, marking a significant victory for the progressive wing and making Los Angeles and New York the two largest U.S. cities with democratic socialist mayors.
• The Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles (DSA-LA) saw unprecedented success, with candidates like Marissa Roy elected city attorney and Angela Gonzales-Torres defeating incumbent Jimmy Gomez for a U.S. House seat, alongside wins in school boards and the Burbank city council, which now has a socialist majority.
• DSA-LA's growth and influence were driven by extensive volunteer efforts, knocking on over 110,000 doors, and capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction with the status quo, especially criticism of Bass’s handling of the Palisades fire, which contributed to her defeat.
• Despite internal controversies, including debates over Raman’s endorsements and positions, DSA-LA ultimately backed her candidacy, reflecting the organization's strategic focus on issues like affordable housing, tenant rights, and immigrant protections that resonate broadly with voters.
• Raman has pledged to work to rebuild trust across all communities in Los Angeles, focusing on affordable housing, improved public transit, safety, and effective city governance as she begins her term as mayor.