The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America officially endorsed Councilmember Nithya Raman for mayor on Wednesday, injecting left-wing, door-knocking energy into her campaign against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The endorsement followed an online election among more than 6,000 regional DSA members, where Raman secured more than 60% of the vote, according to the organization.
Mayoral Challenge and Endorsement Vote Breakdown
Nearly 1,500 votes were cast in the internal ballot, yielding a final tally of 937 votes to endorse Raman and 484 against, with 52 abstentions, based on a screenshot of the vote viewed by The Times. Tal Levy, a member of the DSA-LA electoral politics committee that voted 3 to 2 to recommend Raman prior to the wider vote, explained that the group’s base is frustrated with the status quo. “Our base of left-leaning demo socialists are fed up with the status quo and really want to see a significant change in how the city is run,” Levy said.
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Levy acknowledged that Raman has occasionally proven to be a less reliable vote on DSA priorities compared to other city council members backed by the group. Even so, he noted that “near-unanimity” ultimately prevailed regarding her status as the stronger general election candidate. Raman, who has maintained DSA membership since before her initial council run in 2020, stated she is proud to have the organization join her coalition of residents striving to make Los Angeles a city that works for everyone.
Did You Know? Nithya Raman was the first L.A. elected official backed by the Democratic Socialists of America to win office, paving the way for subsequent council victories by Hugo Soto-Martínez, Ysabel Jurado, and Eunisses Hernandez.
Political Implications and Reactions from the Establishment
The Democratic Socialists of America maintain controversial policy stances, including calls to defund the police and abolish prisons, which consistently draw criticism from conservatives and distance the group from the mainstream Democratic Party establishment. Sara Sadhwani, a professor of politics at Pomona College, observed that the national growth of the DSA highlights a leftward shift, noting that “a DSA endorsement will be shorthand for how to define Nithya Raman as a candidate both for the establishment in Los Angeles and for Republicans nationally.”
Opposition figures and campaign representatives quickly weighed in on the development. Alex Stack, a representative for the Bass campaign, declined to comment directly on the endorsement itself while criticizing Raman on her positions concerning homelessness and public safety. Michael Trujillo, a Democratic political consultant planning to work with an independent expenditure group supporting the incumbent mayor, characterized the backing as potentially problematic. “As more normal Democrats learn about their weird uncle DSA at the dinner table the less and less they’re liking them,” Trujillo said.
Policy History and Past Disagreements with DSA-LA
Raman has previously received endorsements from the local DSA chapter during her two prior council runs as well, and she has passed major legislation supported by the group during her time on the council, including strengthening renter protections and reforming the city’s rent stabilization ordinance for the first time in decades. However, her tenure has also featured notable public disagreements with the organization. Critics within the chapter voiced frustration over her support for municipal budgets that increased police spending and her move earlier in the year to revise Measure ULA—also known as the “mansion tax”—to offer an exemption to developers of multifamily and commercial projects.
The most severe rift occurred following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis. After the DSA released a statement asserting the attack “was not unprovoked,” Raman publicly condemned the phrasing as “unacceptably devoid of empathy for communities in Israel.” By early 2024, the chapter formally censured Raman after she sought and accepted an endorsement from Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles, a liberal Zionist group.
The Broader DSA Electoral Slate for November 3
Topping a slate of nine candidates backed by DSA-LA for local and federal offices on Nov. 3, Raman leads a group branded as the “Shake Up LA” slate. The organization is also backing Marissa Roy, a candidate for city attorney, and Estuardo Mazariegos, who is running for council in South L.A. In federal races, the group supports Angela Gonzales-Torres as she challenges Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles) in the 34th Congressional District runoff.
Additional municipal and school board endorsements include Nolan Southerland and Mike Van Gorder for Burbank City Council, Stephen Post for West Hollywood City Council, Estefany Castañeda in the Centinela Valley Union High School District, and Yaritza González in the Inglewood Unified School District. Meanwhile, all three other DSA-backed council members currently in office—Hugo Soto-Martínez, Ysabel Jurado, and Eunisses Hernandez—have endorsed Bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of the vote did Nithya Raman receive from DSA members?
Raman secured more than 60% of the vote in an online election involving more than 6,000 regional members, capturing 937 votes in favor, 484 against, and 52 abstentions.
How has the Bass campaign reacted to the endorsement?
A campaign representative for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass declined to comment directly on the endorsement while criticizing Raman’s stances on homelessness and public safety.
What other candidates are included on the DSA-LA election slate?
The “Shake Up LA” slate includes mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, city attorney candidate Marissa Roy, council candidate Estuardo Mazariegos, congressional challenger Angela Gonzales-Torres, and several candidates for municipal council and school board seats across the region.
How do you view the potential impact of left-wing organizational endorsements on municipal elections in major metropolitan areas?