“Los Angeles, I’m deeply honored to be your next mayor,” Raman said. “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. Thank you so much Los Angeles.”
Raman, a City Council member and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, will be the first Asian American to ever lead California’s most populous city. Her victory is also the latest in a string of triumphs for the progressive wing of the Democratic party, notable among them Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral race last year. And on Tuesday, Janeese Lewis George—another member of the Democratic Socialists of America—was elected to be the next mayor of Washington, D.C.
Raman entered the race in LA late, and her announcement came as a surprise to many, given that she had previously backed Bass’ re-election bid. In June, Raman defeated Republican former reality star Spencer Pratt, who President Donald Trump had favored in the race, to advance to the general election. During her campaign, she has emphasized her desire “to build a city that works for everyone.”
