Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's campaign released a compilation video highlighting perceived gaffes by her challenger, Nithya Raman, on election day. The incumbent mayor's campaign framed the video as evidence that Raman is unprepared to lead the city.
The video targets Raman's performance in interviews and debates, including a moment where she struggled to name a police chief she admired, stating she was "in a fugue state." Bass's campaign also resurfaced Raman's past support for Special Order 40, a policy championed by former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates. Raman has previously described Gates' policies as "abhorrent and racist," though she later clarified her support for Special Order 40 was a "mistake."
Bass's campaign also pointed to instances where Raman appeared to label Bass and current LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell as "fascist liars," a statement Raman has since clarified was directed at Donald Trump and ICE agents.
"Throughout this campaign, Nithya has shown that she is not ready to lead a city as big and complex as Los Angeles," Bass stated in a post accompanying the video. "Angelenos deserve a mayor with a clear vision, a proven plan, and the experience to deliver results. I’m ready to keep building on our progress and delivering for every Angeleno."
The race for Los Angeles mayor has tightened in recent weeks. Polls from UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the LA Times indicated a tie between Bass and Raman in the final week before the election. An earlier LA Times poll in September showed Raman with an 11-point lead.
Bass has also warned voters that Raman's potential tenure would lead to "chaos from day one," citing Raman's stated intention to fire Chief McDonnell as a move that could destabilize the LAPD. Raman's campaign emerged after she surpassed Spencer Pratt in the primary election, positioning her for a runoff against Bass.