Los Angeles mayoral win adds to democratic socialists' growing influence

Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has won the mayoral election, defeating incumbent Karen Bass with about 53 percent of the vote. Raman, an urban planner who campaigned on housing, homelessness and making city government work better, is due to take office in December.

UPDATE: Her victory adds to a wider set of gains by candidates identifying as democratic socialists. The Democratic Socialists of America said it had quadrupled its representation in Congress after the midterms. Candidates backed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won congressional seats, while other DSA-supported contenders succeeded in Colorado and Los Angeles.

Supporters point to anger over living costs, unequal access to basic services and corporate influence as reasons for the movement's appeal. Los Angeles DSA co-chair Leslie Chang said face-to-face conversations and door-to-door organising helped counter rivals' financial advantages. The movement still holds a relatively small share of elected offices nationally.

Growth has also exposed internal disputes over compromise. Shortly before the election, a proposal to withdraw support for Raman over her past positions on Israel narrowly failed in a 14-13 vote by DSA's national committee. Organisers now say practical improvements in housing, services and everyday city administration will matter if they are to retain voters' trust beyond election day.