LA Mayoral Candidate Claims ‘Fugue State’ During Debate

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman stated that she experienced a “fugue state” during her recent debate with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, leaving her with little memory of the event. Raman made the assertion in an interview with NBC4 shortly after the debate concluded.

A fugue state, as described by the National Institutes of Health, is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by sudden, unexpected travel from one's customary environment, often linked to traumatic circumstances and an altered state of consciousness.

During the post-debate interview, when asked by NBC’s Robert Kovacik to identify her strongest and weakest moments, Raman responded, “Oh, you know, to be honest with you, I’m so sorry but I was in fugue state and I don’t remember very much of it at all.”

The exchange has drawn varied reactions online. Some critics suggested Raman’s statement indicated an inability to handle pressure, with one social media account posting, “Ah yes, exactly what we need, a mayoral candidate who blacks out when she gets stressed.” Conversely, some users defended Raman, suggesting she was more forthcoming than Bass, whom one user accused of “run[ning] and hid[ing] as usual” after debates.

It remains unclear if Raman has a diagnosed history of fugue states or if her comment was intended metaphorically. The debate itself was marked by sharp exchanges between the two candidates, former political allies now vying for the city’s top office.

Raman criticized Bass’s tenure, citing rising homelessness, struggling businesses, and perceived mismanagement of taxpayer funds. “We cannot afford another four years of decline, of mismanagement of excuses. homelessness is rising despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent. storefronts are closing. Our tax money is being wasted, and through it all, we’ve had a mayor who has been MIA,” Raman stated.

Bass, in turn, questioned Raman’s leadership capabilities, particularly in preparing Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. “We are 640 days away from the greatest sporting event in U.S. history, and I believe that the city would be destabilized with someone who has extreme views and basically has not been able to build relationships, not on city council and not with her constituents. Now is not the time to turn the city over to Nithya Raman,” Bass countered.

Bass has a long political career without electoral defeat, while Raman entered the mayoral race in February, challenging the incumbent.