DSA Endorsement Boosts Nithya Raman in Mayoral Race

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) endorsed Councilmember Nithya Raman for mayor, energizing her campaign against incumbent Karen Bass in the November 3 election. The endorsement followed an online ballot among the chapter’s over 6,000 members, with Raman securing over 60% of the votes cast. Although 1,400 votes were counted, the exact percentage won by Raman was not disclosed.

DSA is recognized for its progressive stances, such as defunding police and abolishing prisons. These views often contrast with those of conservatives and the mainstream Democratic Party. Despite this, DSA has achieved noteworthy electoral outcomes nationwide, highlighted by the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor.

Sara Sadhwani, a politics professor at Pomona College, emphasized the DSA’s expanding influence. She noted that a DSA endorsement serves as a defining characteristic for Raman in both Los Angeles and across the Republican spectrum nationally.

Raman, a DSA member since 2020, leads a group of nine DSA-backed candidates in various local and federal races in the upcoming election. Tal Levy from DSA-LA’s electoral politics committee acknowledged some reservations within DSA-LA regarding Raman’s endorsement, citing her inconsistent alignment with DSA matters compared to other council members supported by DSA.

Despite these concerns, Levy highlighted widespread agreement that Raman represents the best option for the general election. Raman herself did not immediately comment on the endorsement.

Previously, Raman received backing from DSA in her council campaigns and successfully advocated major legislation supported by DSA, including enhancing tenant protections and revising the city’s rent stabilization ordinance—the latter being a significant reform after many years. Nonetheless, Raman’s legislative actions have occasionally led to disagreements with DSA, causing controversy over her reliability as a candidate for mayor.

Her stance on budget approvals, including increased police financing, and altering Measure ULA—granting exemptions to developers—has sparked criticism within DSA. A particularly notable rift arose after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. DSA’s declaration claimed the attack was “not unprovoked,” which Raman criticized as lacking empathy towards impacted Israeli communities.

In early 2024, further tension emerged when Raman faced censure from DSA for obtaining an endorsement from Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles, a liberal Zionist entity. Raman stands out as the inaugural DSA-endorsed official elected in L.A. Despite these clashes, DSA has supported three additional successful City Council candidates, all of whom have backed Bass.

Besides Raman, the DSA’s November 3 election slate includes Marissa Roy for city attorney and Estuardo Mazariegos for council in South L.A.