Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman spent the Halloween weekend attending parties across the city, dancing and encouraging young voters to cast ballots for her campaign.
Raman, a city councilwoman, was seen at The Echo + Echoplex in Echo Park dressed as P-22, the mountain lion that died in 2022 and became a symbol for conservation efforts.
During one appearance at the Echoplex, captured in an Instagram video, Raman took the microphone to address the crowd. "You have a chance to change the city, use it," she told partygoers. She also spoke about issues facing Los Angeles, including rising rents, federal immigration enforcement, and what she described as a lack of leadership from Mayor Karen Bass.
"The rent is too damn high. ICE is on our streets. And we have a mayor who is missing in action," Raman stated.
In another clip, she emphasized the importance of young voters in the upcoming election, saying, "Young voters are going to decide this election." Raman also made an appearance at a Halloween house party hosted by fashion brand Eckhaus Latta, where she was introduced as "the next mayor of Los Angeles."
Her campaign appearances over the weekend also included meeting with hospitality union workers, judging a costume competition, and attending a tailgate party before the USC versus Ohio State football game.
Raman's campaign efforts come as polls show a tightening race with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. A recent Berkeley IGS/Los Angeles Times poll indicated the candidates were tied at 40% support, with 19% of voters undecided. Raman had held an 11-point lead in September, but Bass has since gained ground.
Raman's platform centers on affordable housing, homelessness, and improving city services. She has pledged to reduce homelessness by at least 50% before the 2028 Olympics and to increase housing construction. She also stated her intention to collaborate with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to strengthen efforts to address homelessness.
Mayor Bass is seeking a second term, focusing her campaign on continuing her work to reduce homelessness, expand affordable housing, and improve public safety. Her initiatives include the "Inside Safe" program, increasing LAPD staffing, and rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades following wildfires.
