Raman surges ahead in Los Angeles mayoral race, Bass concedes no ground

According to the Associated Press, with approximately 63% of votes tallied, Raman holds a narrow lead with 377,458 votes, representing 51.1%, compared to Bass’ 360,864 votes, or 48.9%.

Raman addressed supporters at the Greek Theatre Plaza in Griffith Park on Tuesday night, framing her campaign’s success as a reflection of a broader desire for change among voters. “Los Angeles is absolutely stunning tonight,” she stated. “Here in Los Angeles, this election is about change— a city that was engineered over the last few decades to resist change and the people right here who said enough is enough.”

She emphasized the city’s affordability crisis, attributing it to rising living costs and a sense of frustration with local leadership. “We watched friend after friend, family after family, leave because they couldn’t afford to stay here anymore,” Raman said.

While acknowledging the election remains undecided, Raman has refrained from declaring victory until all ballots are counted.

Mayor Bass initially held a slight lead as early results came in, but the overnight count shifted the advantage to Raman. Speaking at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, Bass acknowledged the ongoing vote counting process and expressed confidence in the ultimate outcome. “Four years ago you gave me the honor of a lifetime,” she said.

Bass highlighted her administration’s work on reducing crime and addressing homelessness, and outlined her plans for a second term, including expanding the Inside Safe program, increasing staffing at the Los Angeles Police Department, and rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades following the January 2025 wildfires.

Raman’s campaign focused on affordable housing, homelessness, and improving city services, with pledges to reduce homelessness by at least 50% by the 2028 Olympics, increase housing construction, and strengthen renter protections.

Due to California election rules allowing ballots mailed by Election Day to be counted within seven days, the final outcome of the mayoral race may not be determined for several days.