Raman Extends Lead Over Bass in LA Mayoral Race as Undecided Voters Remain Key

Key points

• Raman leads Bass by approximately 11 points in the latest UC Berkeley/L.A. Times poll, with 39% support versus 28% for Bass.
• Prediction market Polymarket gives Raman a 58% chance of winning the November 3 runoff, compared to 42% for Bass.
• 33% of likely voters remain undecided, a figure pollsters described as unusually high this late in the cycle.
• Bass faces a 63% unfavorable rating, largely driven by voter dissatisfaction over homelessness, housing, and the 2025 wildfires.
• Raman dominates voters under 50 and has secured endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America, while Bass leads among voters 65 and older.

Background

The race was triggered after no candidate received a majority in the June 2 primary. Bass led with 34% of the vote, while Raman finished second with 29%. Former reality star Spencer Pratt finished third with 26%, but many of his supporters remain undecided in the runoff. Raman’s campaign has been bolstered by a recent endorsement from the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, though her progressive stance has drawn criticism from conservative groups and police unions.

How outlets are covering it

The California Post and Fox News emphasize Raman’s momentum and the double-digit lead in both polling and prediction markets. The Los Angeles Times highlights the high number of undecided voters and the lack of clear policy solutions from either candidate, particularly regarding homelessness. Politico notes the geographic divide, with Bass facing backlash in fire-scarred Pacific Palisades, while Raman’s progressive platform may alienate older, wealthier, and more conservative voters in those areas. Bass’s camp dismissed the latest poll as an outlier, arguing the race remains close with 40 days to go.

Why it matters

The outcome of the Los Angeles mayoral race will shape the city’s approach to critical issues like homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety. With a large undecided bloc and deep generational divides, the runoff could redefine the political landscape in one of the nation’s largest cities.

What to watch

The November 3 runoff will determine whether Raman or Bass secures the mayorship. Campaigns are expected to intensify efforts to sway undecided voters, particularly those who supported Spencer Pratt in the primary. Both candidates are likely to focus on policy proposals and voter outreach in the final weeks before the election.