Los Angeles: From her roots in Kerala to the corridors of power in one of America’s biggest cities, Nithya Raman has scripted a remarkable political milestone. The India-born urban planner has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, becoming the first Indian-American and South Asian to lead the city.

Raman’s victory marks a significant moment for the Indian diaspora in the United States. The 45-year-old Los Angeles City Council member is now set to take charge of the country’s second-largest city after building a decisive lead over Bass, who conceded defeat on Thursday and promised a smooth transition.

According to the latest Los Angeles County election returns, updated at 4.34 pm local time, Raman secured 460,772 votes, accounting for 52.70% of the total, while Bass received 413,519 votes, or 47.30%. Raman’s lead stood at 47,253 votes, widening from 34,654 in the morning count. The figures were unofficial, with ballot counting still underway.

“Los Angeles, I am deeply honoured to be your next mayor,” Raman announced in a post on X on Thursday.

Bass subsequently acknowledged the outcome, saying she had personally called Raman to congratulate her.

“I’ve called Councilmember Raman to congratulate her, and I’m committed to a smooth transition,” Bass said, thanking her supporters and expressing her commitment to continuing to serve the city.

Raman pays tribute to outgoing mayor

In her victory message, Raman thanked the thousands of volunteers and supporters who worked on her campaign, describing their efforts as a collective expression of faith in Los Angeles.

She also acknowledged Bass’s decades of public service, highlighting her journey from working as an emergency room nurse to founding the Community Coalition, serving in the California Legislature and US Congress, and eventually becoming the first woman mayor of Los Angeles.

Raman said she had spoken with Bass and expressed gratitude for her contribution to the city.

Addressing voters who had supported her opponent or chosen not to vote, the mayor-elect pledged to work towards earning their trust.

She said her administration would focus on affordable housing, better public parks, an improved public transportation system, safer neighbourhoods and a city government capable of delivering on its commitments.

“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 said.

Political leaders congratulate Raman

Raman’s victory drew congratulatory messages from political leaders across Los Angeles, with several expressing expectations that the new administration would address the city’s pressing challenges.

Los Angeles City Council member Adrin Nazarian congratulated Raman, recalling their shared experiences as immigrants who moved to the United States and built their lives there.

Describing her journey from representing Council District 4 to winning the mayoral election as a reflection of the American dream, Nazarian said he looked forward to working with her on issues affecting the city.

He highlighted the rising cost of living, mounting pressure on middle-class families, public transportation and the need to retain jobs in Los Angeles’ entertainment industry.

Nazarian also acknowledged Bass’s years of public service, including her tenure as a state legislator, congresswoman and Los Angeles mayor.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman also congratulated Raman while thanking Bass for her service.

Emphasising the importance of public safety, Hochman said he looked forward to working with the incoming mayor and her team to ensure the safety of residents.

He added that his office would continue to handle cases based on facts, law and evidence, and offered cooperation with the new administration on public safety matters.

Housing, homelessness and public services among key priorities
Raman’s campaign focused heavily on some of the most persistent problems facing Los Angeles, particularly housing affordability, homelessness, public safety and deteriorating civic infrastructure.

According to LAist, her proposals included improving basic municipal services such as pothole repairs and street lighting, alongside changes to policing and the city’s approach to homelessness.

Her victory comes at a time when Los Angeles continues to grapple with a severe housing affordability crisis and a large homeless population.

Raman has also promised to improve the city’s ability to deliver essential services and make neighbourhoods more accessible and liveable.

From Kerala to Harvard and MIT

Born in Kerala, Nithya Raman moved to the United States with her family when she was just six years old.

She went on to graduate from Harvard University before earning a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Before entering electoral politics, Raman worked on homelessness-related issues and co-founded the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, an organisation focused on addressing homelessness in Los Angeles.

Her experience in urban planning and community-level work later paved the way for her entry into public office.

In 2020, Raman was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, becoming the first Asian-American woman and the first South Asian to serve on the council. She retained her seat in the 2024 election.

Her victory over Bass now marks another milestone in her political journey, taking her from a city council seat to the mayor’s office.

For the Indian-American community, particularly those with roots in Kerala, Raman’s elevation represents a moment of historic significance. Her journey from an immigrant child to the leadership of one of America’s most prominent cities is likely to resonate far beyond Los Angeles.