Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, responded to a direct question about capitalism by stating her intention to operate within the existing system to serve residents. During an appearance on CNN, Raman was asked if she considered herself a capitalist. She replied that Los Angeles operates within a capitalist system and that her role as mayor would involve working within that context to "deliver for my residents."
Raman elaborated on her priorities, emphasizing the need to address the city's housing crisis through increased construction and renter protections. "I will do anything it takes and put into place any policy that we need to in order to make sure that Los Angeles is more affordable, more ambitious, more functional city for its residents," she stated.
The exchange occurred after a CNN anchor referenced an opinion piece in the California Post that drew parallels between Raman and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, characterizing Raman as representing a "radical socialism" similar to Mamdani's.
Raman countered the comparisons by asserting that Los Angeles residents are more concerned with practical governance than political ideologies. "People here in this city are not caught up about political world views or ideologies. They want this city to work for them," she said.
When asked about her self-identification as a Democratic Socialist, Raman indicated that she viewed the socialist movement as a platform where tenants' rights were seriously addressed. She also criticized the Democratic Party establishment, including Mayor Bass, for what she described as "play-to-play politics."
Despite her political leanings, Raman suggested that labels are not the most crucial aspect of her campaign. "I don’t think there is particularly a Democratic Socialist way or a Democratic Party way of fixing a street light or fixing a pothole," she remarked.
Adding a layer to the political landscape, Raman's fellow Democratic Socialists of America allies on the city council have endorsed Mayor Bass. Political consultant Michael Trujillo noted that these endorsements from DSA council members, whose districts are geographically contiguous, signify a potential lack of confidence in Raman's ability to lead the city, stating that their support for Bass "matters."