L.A. City Council Progressives Endorse Mayor Bass Over Challenger Raman
City Council progressives snub Raman, endorse Bass in L.A. mayor's race

Image: Los Angeles Times
In a significant political shift, three progressive members of the Los Angeles City Council have endorsed Mayor Karen Bass for reelection, snubbing their colleague Nithya Raman. The endorsements, driven by Bass' leadership on immigration and homelessness, highlight the fractured progressive base in the city as Bass leads in early polling for the upcoming primary election.
- 01Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Ysabel Jurado, and Hugo Soto-Martínez endorsed Bass, citing her leadership during immigration raids and efforts to reduce homelessness.
- 02Nithya Raman, initially supportive of Bass, has shifted to a more centrist stance in her campaign, advocating for maintaining LAPD officer strength and supporting anti-encampment zones.
- 03Political analysts view the endorsements as a critical blow to Raman's campaign, indicating a lack of support from her progressive peers.
- 04Polls show Bass leading ahead of the June 2 primary but lacking majority support, likely setting up a runoff election.
- 05The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) did not formally endorse any candidate in the mayoral race, complicating the progressive landscape.
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Three progressive members of the Los Angeles City Council, Eunisses Hernandez, Ysabel Jurado, and Hugo Soto-Martínez, have publicly endorsed Mayor Karen Bass in her reelection campaign, marking a significant setback for her challenger, Nithya Raman. The council members, all affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, cited Bass' leadership during recent immigration raids and her efforts to address homelessness as key reasons for their support. Soto-Martínez expressed surprise at Raman's decision to challenge Bass after previously endorsing her, highlighting the tensions within the progressive bloc. Raman has shifted her campaign to a more centrist position, advocating for maintaining the current strength of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and not obstructing anti-encampment measures, which contrasts with her earlier progressive stances. Analysts suggest that the endorsements could diminish Raman's appeal among progressive voters. As the June 2 primary approaches, Bass leads in polls but lacks a majority, suggesting a likely runoff against either Raman or former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt. The fractured nature of the progressive vote is further complicated by the DSA's decision not to formally endorse any candidate, instead recommending Raman without a formal backing. This situation underscores the complexities of the electoral dynamics in Los Angeles as various factions vie for influence.
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The endorsements could influence the voting decisions of progressive voters in Los Angeles, potentially swaying the outcome of the primary election.
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