Indian-Born Nithya Raman Elected Los Angeles Mayor
Indian-born politician Nithya Raman has been elected Mayor of Los Angeles, becoming the first South Asian to lead the second-largest city in the United States. The 45-year-old Democratic Socialist defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November 3, 2026, election. Bass conceded defeat on November 5, marking the first time in more than two decades that a sitting Los Angeles mayor has lost re-election.
Nithya Raman Defeats Karen Bass in Historic Election
According to the latest reported vote count, Raman secured 429,450 votes, representing 52.1%, while Bass received 394,796 votes, or 47.9%.
Raman thanked supporters following her victory and acknowledged Bass’s decades of public service.
Her campaign focused on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, improving public transportation and strengthening essential city services.
Bass, 73, had faced criticism over the city’s response to the devastating Palisades wildfire and persistent concerns about homelessness.
Kerala-Born Raman’s Journey Into American Politics
Born in Kerala, Raman studied at Harvard University before earning a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
An urban planner by profession, she entered Los Angeles politics through housing advocacy and community organising.
Raman was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2020, representing District 4.
Her political platform emphasises housing affordability, neighbourhood infrastructure, public safety and improving municipal administration.
Indian-Origin Leaders Gain Influence in US Politics
Raman’s victory places politicians of Indian descent at the helm of America’s two largest cities, with Zohran Mamdani serving as Mayor of New York.
Both are associated with the Democratic Socialists of America.
The election also reflects growing South Asian American representation in US politics, with several Indian-origin candidates securing congressional and state legislative positions during the midterms.
Raman is expected to assume office in December, with housing affordability and preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics among her immediate priorities.
