LA Mayor Race Tightens as New Poll Shows Bass Tied with Raman

The race for Los Angeles mayor has tightened considerably in the final days before the election, with a new poll showing Mayor Karen Bass tied with challenger Nithya Raman. The UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll released Wednesday found both candidates receiving 40% support among likely voters.

This marks a significant shift from previous polling that had indicated a substantial lead for Bass. The survey, which polled 2,197 likely city voters online between Oct. 19 and Oct. 25, also revealed that 19% of voters remain undecided. The poll carries a margin of error of three percentage points.

Earlier polling, such as a California Post-McLaughlin & Associates poll, had shown Raman leading Bass 46.7% to 38.8%. A notable segment of Bass's renewed support appears to come from voters who previously supported Spencer Pratt in the mayoral primary. The recent poll indicates Bass gained 19 percentage points among these voters since September, with 41% now backing her, while Raman lost 2% of this bloc.

Election analysts suggest that these 'Pratt voters' could be a decisive constituency. "The Pratt voters are the biggest insertion," Mark DiCamillo, director of the Berkeley IGS Poll, told the LA Times. "The question remains, since we’re looking at Pratt voters, 45% remain undecided. Will they vote?"

DiCamillo characterized the latest poll results as positive for Bass, whose campaign has focused on critiquing Raman's experience. "It’s certainly a breath of fresh air for Bass to see the race close. She’ll probably feel the campaign is having the effect she wants it to have, which is to put more focus on Raman and put Raman on the defensive," he stated.

Bass has primarily targeted Raman on her qualifications, including during their final debate where she stated, "You are not ready for prime time."

Raman has also faced criticism from LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, particularly after she stated that McDonnell "lost the trust of our immigrant community here in LA." McDonnell responded in comments to The California Post, questioning the basis of her statement and suggesting it might reflect the views of a few activists rather than the broader community.

The poll also highlighted key voter concerns, with homelessness identified as the top issue by 43% of respondents. Public safety and affordable housing each garnered 29% of voter concern, tying for second.

In the mayoral primary, Bass secured 34% of the vote, ahead of Raman's 29% and Pratt's 25.5%. Raman had subsequently taken the polling lead in the general election season prior to this latest survey.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 mayoral election is currently underway.