LA Mayoral Race Ties as Bass Defends Record Against Raman's Progressive Surge

Key points

• A recent UC Berkeley/LA Times poll shows the race tied at 40%, erasing Bass's previous 11-point deficit.
• Bass is campaigning on her record of reducing crime and homelessness, while defending her decision to increase the police budget.
• Raman, a Democratic Socialist, faces internal party disputes over her stance on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.
• Housing affordability remains the top issue, with 87% of voters citing it as a serious problem and only 15% able to afford a median-priced home.
• Bass is criticized for her absence during the Palisades fires, while Raman is criticized for a gaffe referencing former LAPD chief Daryl Gates.

Background

In 2022, Los Angeles was one of four major US cities with Black mayors, a trend driven by the Black Lives Movement. By 2026, Bass is the only one of those four mayors still in office. The political landscape has shifted from social justice to affordability, challenging Black mayors who were elected on protest-driven platforms. Bass, 69, is the oldest of the four, while her opponents are younger and more progressive. The race is also influenced by the 2025 wildfires and ongoing debates over policing and immigration.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian emphasizes the racial and generational divide, highlighting Bass's frustration with young white progressives and her defense of Black communities. It notes Bass's shift from a police reformer to a supporter of increased police funding, which has alienated some Black activists like Melina Abdullah. The Los Angeles Times focuses on the grassroots support for both candidates, showing how Bass's experience and Raman's policy specificity appeal to different demographics. The Times highlights Raman's appeal to immigrants and her focus on renter protections, while Bass supporters praise her pragmatic approach to homelessness and crime. Both outlets agree that voter frustration with the status quo is driving the race, but they differ in their assessment of whether Bass's record or Raman's energy is more compelling.

Why it matters

The outcome will determine the direction of Los Angeles's policies on housing, policing, and public safety. A Bass victory would maintain the status quo, while a Raman win would signal a shift toward more progressive, anti-establishment governance. The race also reflects broader national trends in the 2026 midterms, where affordability and economic anxiety are overshadowing social justice issues. The result will also impact the future of Black mayoral leadership in major US cities, as Bass is the last of the 2022 cohort still in office.

What to watch

The runoff election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Both campaigns are in their final push, with Bass focusing on turnout among Black and conservative voters, and Raman targeting younger and progressive voters. The outcome will likely be determined by voter turnout and the effectiveness of each candidate's messaging on housing and public safety. Post-election, the winner will face immediate challenges in addressing the city's budget, homelessness, and infrastructure needs.