Nithya Raman Confirms Plans to Continue Co-Governing With DSA if Elected LA Mayor

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has affirmed her intention to continue working closely with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) should she be elected mayor. Raman, a current city councilwoman, described the DSA as a "partner" in her work at City Hall, detailing her view of their "co-governing" process.

"We have a number of groups that we work closely with in government," Raman told the Los Angeles Times. "I see the DSA as a partner for a lot of the work that we’ve done."

Raman specifically highlighted tenant protections and charter reform as areas where the DSA has been instrumental. "They’ve been a strong partner of the tenant protections that I helped pass and were a huge voice for charter reform, including some of the things that didn’t happen," she said.

When asked about the nature of this relationship if she assumes the mayoral office, Raman indicated that she plans to maintain an open door. "I will continue to welcome their partnership and will always work alongside organizations that are active in Los Angeles and are trying to shape the city," she stated, adding that she collaborates with "many, many other organizations" across the city.

Raman addressed concerns about the DSA's practice of endorsing candidates and subsequently expecting accountability from those elected. "I think it clearly makes the news media uncomfortable, because they report on it all the time," she commented. "But it doesn’t make me uncomfortable, because I’m responsive to all my constituents, whether I do exactly what they want or not."

She further explained that engaging with constituents and organizations, regardless of whether they always agree with her decisions, is an inherent part of holding elected office. "I show up. I engage. Sometimes I make them very happy; sometimes I make them very angry," Raman told the Times. "That’s part of what being an elected representative means."

When directly questioned about her participation in co-governing, Raman responded affirmatively, "With everyone, with everyone. Yes. With everyone."