LA Councilwoman Admits to "Hate Vote" in Mayoral Race, Backs Incumbent Bass

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park announced on Wednesday that she will be voting for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the upcoming mayoral election, despite not formally endorsing her. Park, who represents a district that includes Pacific Palisades, revealed her intention at a town hall, stating, "I’m not endorsing Karen Bass, but I am voting for Karen Bass." She acknowledged this would be a difficult stance for some constituents.

Park voiced significant concerns about the city's future, particularly criticizing mayoral challenger Nithya Raman's positions on law enforcement. "I am very concerned about what the future of our city looks like," Park stated, elaborating on her worries about Raman's approach. "This is someone that has been very clear that she wants to defund and abolish our police."

She further accused Raman of aligning with a group that would refuse to prosecute misdemeanors in Los Angeles. Park's pointed remarks came after a recent mayoral debate between Raman and Bass. During the debate, Raman reportedly did not commit to a timeline for replacing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell before the 2028 Olympics, a point Bass used to question Raman's readiness to lead the city.

Following the debate, Raman made an unusual statement to NBC4, explaining her recollection of the event by saying, "I’m so sorry but I was in fugue state and I don’t remember very much of it at all."

Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass is also facing legal challenges. A defamation lawsuit was filed in June by former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, whom Bass dismissed after the Palisades Fire. Crowley's attorney is seeking to depose Bass under oath regarding statements made during a May debate, which Crowley alleges were false.