Mayor-elect Nithya Raman, who recently unseated incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, offered a tribute to her rival in her first public statement following the victory. Raman, a city councilmember backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, posted a video on social media shortly after her win was projected.
"I am honored to be your next mayor," Raman stated. She then addressed Bass directly, acknowledging her decades of service to the city. "I also wanted to pay tribute to Mayor Karen Bass, someone who has given decades of her life to making this city what it is today," Raman said.
Raman highlighted Bass's career, including her time as an emergency room nurse, her founding of the Community Coalition, her leadership roles in Sacramento and Washington, and her historic election as the city's first female mayor. "I know so many people, not just across this city but across this country, are grateful for her dedication to the promise of Los Angeles," Raman added.
Addressing voters who may have supported Bass or abstained from voting, Raman pledged to earn their trust. "I am going to City Hall to work every single day to earn your trust and to earn your trust in this city again," she said.
Raman outlined her immediate priorities, including addressing affordable housing, creating parks for children, improving the transit system, and enhancing the city government's ability to fulfill its promises. "I love this city and I love its people, and I cannot wait to get started on building a better future together with all of you," she concluded. "Thank you so much, Los Angeles."