Nithya Raman, a candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, has recently embraced a boycott of Israel, a position she previously opposed. This shift comes as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a group that helped launch her political career, is threatening to withdraw its endorsement just days before the election.
The national leadership of the DSA narrowly voted on Monday night to give Raman until October 31 to clarify her full support for the boycott. Failure to provide satisfactory clarification could result in the loss of the powerful political group’s endorsement, a significant blow with only 48 hours remaining until Election Day.
Raman, however, characterized the internal conflict within the DSA as “internal political theater,” telling ABC7 that the infighting was “not the concern of voters here in Los Angeles.” She noted that the local DSA chapter has endorsed her and expressed gratitude for their support.
Her statement on Monday appeared to align with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to pressure Israel over its treatment of Palestinians through economic means. Raman stated, “I believe the best way for working Angelenos to stand in solidarity with Gaza is through non-violent protest, legislative action, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS.”
This stance represents a notable departure from her 2020 position, when Raman stated she did not personally support BDS and opposed local government agencies participating in boycotts against Israel.
The confrontation with the DSA occurs as Raman is in a close race against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. The DSA's Los Angeles chapter has been instrumental in her campaign, providing volunteers and organizational resources that could be critical in the tight mayoral contest. Losing this backing in the final days before the November 3 election could severely impact her campaign.
The BDS movement has become a central issue for the DSA. In 2025, the organization adopted stricter rules requiring local chapters to vet candidates on their support for the movement before granting endorsements.
On Monday, the DSA’s National Political Committee passed two resolutions. The first resolution gives Raman until October 31 to clarify her positions on Israel and Palestine. If the national leadership is not satisfied with her response, they may vote on Sunday to revoke her endorsement, which would require the DSA-LA to cease all campaign material and support for her candidacy.
A second resolution, approved by a narrower margin, initiates a separate disciplinary process that could lead to Raman's expulsion from the organization after the election.
Raman defended her evolving stance by referencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating, “Over the last couple of years, I have come to believe strongly that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, and I have felt deeply uncomfortable with US tax dollars funding this atrocity.”