Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman wins LA mayoral race

Nithya Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, according to projections by multiple news organizations. With 52% of the vote compared to Bass's 48%, Raman won a narrow but significant victory that marks a major shift in local politics. The race drew national attention and was closely watched for its implications beyond California, as it follows Zohran Mamdani’s election win in New York City earlier this year. Raman, who will take office next month, is set to become the second democratic socialist mayor of a major U.S. city after New York's recent victory. Her campaign capitalized on voter frustration with Bass’s leadership amid issues like wildfires and homelessness.