LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman apologized Wednesday for citing former Police Chief Daryl Gates during a debate, saying she made a mistake and did not mean to praise him. The apology came as Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath endorsed Raman in her challenge to Mayor Karen Bass.

In a CNN interview, Raman said, “I sincerely apologize for mentioning his name. I know it causes real pain for so many people across Los Angeles, and I should not have said it.”

Raman made the remark during an Oct. 13 debate while criticizing the Los Angeles Police Department’s handling of federal immigration enforcement. She said the city had once been “the gold standard” for noncooperation with immigration authorities “under the era of Daryl Gates.”

Raman later said she meant Special Order 40, a policy Gates issued in 1979 that bars officers from stopping people solely to determine their immigration status. The policy did not prohibit the LAPD from cooperating with federal immigration agencies.

Gates led the department from 1978 to 1992. His tenure drew criticism over police abuse and strained relations with Black and Latino communities. He resigned after the 1992 unrest that followed the acquittal of four officers filmed beating Rodney King.

Bass and Black community leaders called for Raman to retract her remark and apologize. Raman initially defended herself, calling Gates “an abhorrent and racist police chief” and accusing Bass of distorting her words. Her CNN apology marked a shift from that response.

Horvath endorsed Raman on Oct. 20, saying she would bring a new approach to homelessness, housing affordability and emergency preparedness. The endorsement gives Raman a prominent ally in the Westside and San Fernando Valley, where Horvath’s district includes about 2 million residents. Bass still holds more support from local elected officials, including four other county supervisors.

The candidates also differ over police leadership. Raman says she would replace Police Chief Jim McDonnell, arguing he has not adequately addressed federal immigration raids and fear in immigrant communities. Bass wants McDonnell to remain in the post.

Los Angeles County’s in-person vote centers open Oct. 24. Election Day is Nov. 3.