Nithya Raman narrowly retained her endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on Monday, securing the crucial backing by a single vote just hours before the Los Angeles mayoral election. The organization voted 14–13 to continue its support for Raman, despite internal dissent fueled by her evolving position on boycotting Israel.
The razor-thin vote spared Raman from losing the support of the grassroots organization that played a role in her political ascent as she challenges incumbent Mayor Karen Bass for leadership of the city.
Raman could still face repercussions from the DSA after the election, stemming from her shifting stance on Israel and demands that she oppose weapons shipments through LAX. This internal battle threatened her campaign in the weeks leading up to the election.
The conflict escalated on October 26 when the DSA’s National Political Committee voted 14–13 to give Raman until the following Saturday to clarify her support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement or risk losing the endorsement. The BDS movement aims to pressure Israel through economic boycotts, divestment, and sanctions over its treatment of Palestinians.
Raman's position on the issue had notably changed. In 2020, she stated that she did not personally support BDS and opposed government agencies participating in boycotts against Israel. However, she recently submitted a statement embracing BDS and accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation Israel denies.
"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," Raman wrote in her statement.
Despite the internal DSA conflict, Raman characterized the situation as "internal political theater" and asserted it was not a significant concern for Los Angeles voters.
The DSA's national leadership challenged Raman's endorsement due to a rule adopted in 2025 that requires local chapters to question candidates about their support for BDS. The DSA's Los Angeles chapter had not included this question on Raman's initial questionnaire, leading to the national committee's challenge.
Local socialists, however, largely stood by Raman, who had secured the chapter's backing in September with a more decisive 937–484 vote. "We’re relieved that the NPC is honoring the will of our members," said DSA-LA co-chair Leslie Chang following the Monday decision. DSA-LA volunteers have been actively involved in campaigning for Raman, contributing grassroots support to her closely contested race.