New Poll Shows Karen Bass Leading Latino Voters in LA Mayoral Race

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass holds a 12-point advantage over her challenger, Nithya Raman, among Latino voters, according to a new poll released by BSP Research. The survey indicates Bass has 40% support within this demographic, compared to Raman's 28%, with 32% of Latino voters remaining undecided.

The poll, conducted between October 1 and 8 on behalf of the independent expenditure group "Unidos Con Karen Bass," surveyed 602 Latino voters. This finding contrasts sharply with an earlier poll from UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times, which showed Raman leading Bass by 24 points among Latino voters.

According to the BSP Research poll, Bass's lead is particularly strong among Spanish-speaking voters, where she holds a 32-percentage-point advantage. Voters aged 50 and older also favored Bass, with 53% support compared to Raman's 17%. Younger voters, under 40, showed a more divided preference, with both candidates receiving 35% support from that group.

Regionally, Bass's support among Latino voters was strongest in downtown Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley. Raman led among Latinos in West Los Angeles, while East Los Angeles emerged as the area with the highest percentage of undecided voters at 44%.

Latino voters represent the largest ethnic group in Los Angeles and are expected to constitute nearly 30% of the ballots cast in the upcoming election. The divergence in poll results highlights the dynamic nature of the mayoral race as the campaign enters its final weeks.

The political landscape has seen increased tension, with candidates clashing over issues such as policing and immigration. The debate intensified after Raman appeared in a social media video that was later deleted, which included the phrase "Only you can stop fascist liars." Mayor Bass criticized Raman's judgment, calling her actions "incredibly irresponsible."