Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman was observed in public for the first time since defeating incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the race for Los Angeles mayor. Raman, who has become the first challenger to unseat an incumbent mayor in Los Angeles since 2005, was seen heading to a combined yoga studio and workspace in downtown LA.
"Los Angeles, I’m deeply honored to be your next mayor," Raman stated in a video message. "Thank you to the thousands of people who knocked on doors, sent texts, made phone calls, convinced their neighbors to believe in the promise of this big, beautiful, joyful city that we get to call home."
Mayor Karen Bass conceded the race shortly before midday Thursday, stating, "While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken." She added, "I have called Council member Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I have committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs from all of us."
Bass, who served as the first Black woman mayor of Los Angeles, reflected on her term, saying, "I love Los Angeles. I believe in Los Angeles. And I will continue to ensure the promise of a better life belongs to all of us. Thank you."
City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky congratulated Raman, noting, "Having served alongside Nithya on the City Council, I know how much she cared about our city and the people we represent." Yaroslavsky also thanked Bass for her leadership and partnership. "Los Angeles faces enormous challenges and opportunities. Meeting them will require all of us working together. Angelenos deserve nothing less. I look forward to working with the mayor-elect and my colleagues on the City Council to make housing more affordable, strengthen our neighborhoods, and make City Hall more effective, transparent and accountable."
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing city police officers, also extended congratulations to Raman. The union, which had supported Bass and opposed Raman's campaign, expressed hope for dialogue regarding public safety and LAPD staffing levels. Their statement read, "Los Angeles police officers and others are filled with uncertainty and angst at the prospect of major cuts to the LAPD that will reverse the progress made in reducing crime. Mayor-elect Raman has stated that she does not want staffing levels to decrease from current levels, we share that goal and are committed to ensuring enough officers remain to keep our residents, the Olympics and our officers safe."
Raman initially held a narrow lead after early ballots were tallied, but she extended her advantage as votes cast closer to and on Election Day were counted. The race between Raman and Bass was closely contested throughout the campaign, with a late poll showing both candidates at 40% support among likely voters.
Bass's campaign had focused on Raman's public safety record and inexperience, while Raman criticized Bass over police salary agreements and a convention center modernization project. Bass sought a second term to continue work on issues such as homelessness, housing, and affordability.