Fact-Checkers Dispute Bass’s Homelessness Claims as Raman Leads Polls

Key points

• NBC Los Angeles fact-checkers found that Bass’s claim of an 11% reduction in homelessness since 2023 was not supported by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority data, which showed only a 2.3% decrease.
• Raman’s claim of a nearly 50% decline in unsheltered homelessness in Council District 4 was verified by LAHSA data, though citywide unsheltered homelessness actually increased by 7.9% in 2026.
• The Inside Safe program, launched in 2022, has cost over $300 million, with an estimated $263,000 spent per person placed in permanent housing, according to an NBCLA investigation.
• Raman criticized the LAPD for sharing data with ICE, while Bass supported ending the contract with Flock Safety, the company operating automated license plate readers.
• Bass apologized for being out of town during the January 2025 Palisades Fire, while Raman criticized the slow rebuilding progress, noting only 50 homes have been completed as of October 2026.

Background

This debate was the final major event before the November 3 election, where Raman holds a significant polling lead. Previous coverage noted that Bass’s strategy of framing Raman as an outsider rejected by the political establishment has failed to reverse voter dissatisfaction. The debate followed earlier clashes over immigration and public safety, with Raman gaining support from progressive voters and some establishment figures who have defected from Bass’s camp.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Los Angeles and LAist focused on the factual accuracy of the candidates’ claims, with NBC highlighting discrepancies in Bass’s homelessness statistics and LAist emphasizing the candidates’ differing approaches to policing and emergency response. The Los Angeles Times, through columnist Gustavo Arellano, took a more critical stance, arguing that Bass’s defense of the political establishment was a losing strategy and that Raman’s call for systemic change resonated with voters frustrated by Bass’s record. Arellano noted that Bass’s focus on Raman’s readiness rather than her own performance highlighted the depth of public dissatisfaction.

Why it matters

The fact-checking of the debate claims provides voters with a clearer understanding of the candidates’ records and the effectiveness of their policies. The discrepancies in homelessness data and the cost of the Inside Safe program are likely to influence voter decisions in the final weeks before the election. The debate also highlighted the ongoing tensions over police data sharing and emergency response, which are key issues for Los Angeles residents.

What to watch

The next major event will be the November 3 election, where Raman is expected to face a tough race against Bass. The candidates will likely continue to campaign on the issues raised in the debate, including homelessness, public safety, and emergency response. The outcome of the election will determine the direction of Los Angeles’s policies in these areas for the next four years.