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Nithya Raman news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman and Mayor Karen Bass debated Wednesday in the mayoral runoff. The debate follows a fake poll showing Bass leading by nearly 12 points.
Background
Raman and Bass advanced to the Nov. 3 runoff after neither won a majority in the June primary. The campaign has been marked by policy clashes over homelessness, housing, and public safety, and by a fake poll that was withdrawn.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Raman suggested the City Council president is colluding with Bass to 'punish' her.
- Aug 18, 2026A poll showing Bass leading by nearly 12 points was revealed as fake by the company that released it.
- Aug 19, 2026Raman criticized Bass for delaying a street safety project on Forest Lawn Drive; Bass's campaign defended the delay.
- Aug 19, 2026Bass and Raman faced off in their first debate of the runoff, discussing homelessness, housing, and public safety.
Who’s saying what
- Raman
- Raman argues the city feels 'rudderless' and that Bass's decisions, like pausing the Forest Lawn Drive project, may be politically motivated.
- Bass
- Bass's campaign says the original Forest Lawn plan was opposed by local businesses and faith leaders, and that she is pursuing an alternative to improve safety.
- Analysts
- Commentators are split: some see Raman as the clear winner, while others say both candidates lost the debate.
Still unverified
Raman's claim that the Forest Lawn Drive project pause was politically motivated is unconfirmed.