Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released an Election Day video highlighting her rival City Councilmember Nithya Raman's campaign missteps. The incumbent mayor's campaign posted the "blooper reel" on Tuesday morning, a final effort to sway voters as the mayoral race reached its climax.
"Nithya has shown that she is not ready to lead a city as big and complex as Los Angeles," Bass stated in the post. "Angelenos deserve a mayor with a clear vision, a proven plan, and the experience to deliver results."
The montage featured clips of Raman struggling to answer questions, including naming a police chief she admired, and recalling her debate with Bass as a "fugue state." It also highlighted Raman's past praise for policies of former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, which had drawn criticism for being historically insensitive. Raman has since characterized Gates as "an abhorrent and racist police chief" and stated her remarks were specific to his Special Order 40.
The reel also touched on controversy surrounding a deleted social media video where Raman said, "Only you can stop fascist liars," alongside images of Mayor Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. Raman's campaign clarified that the remarks targeted federal immigration authorities and the Trump administration, not Bass or McDonnell, and that the imagery was added by the video's creator.
Additional clips in the reel included Raman questioning the effectiveness of banning homeless encampments near schools, a move that drew boos from the audience. The video also referenced Raman's alleged absences from city council meetings and lack of support from fellow Democratic socialist councilmembers.
In response, Raman's campaign released its own reel, assembling clips of Bass in interviews where she was asked about unresolved issues. Raman's campaign posted, "If you’re looking for accountability for the last four years, well, so are we!"
Polls in California were scheduled to close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.