LOS ANGELES, Calif (Diya TV) — Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman won a key endorsement Wednesday in her campaign for mayor. The Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America backed Raman ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
The endorsement gives Raman new support from a powerful left-wing political group. It could also help her campaign attract volunteers and expand its door-to-door organizing efforts. Raman is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the general election.
More than 6,000 DSA members belong to the organization’s Los Angeles region. Nearly 1,500 members voted on the endorsement. Raman received 937 votes, while 484 members voted against the endorsement. Another 52 members abstained.
The DSA endorsement adds momentum to Raman’s campaign. However, it could also create political challenges. The group supports major changes to policing and the criminal justice system. Those positions have faced strong criticism from conservatives and some Democratic leaders.
Still, the Democratic Socialists of America has gained influence in recent elections. The group has backed candidates who have won major races across the country. Most notably, DSA-backed Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election.
Political experts say the endorsement could shape how voters view Raman. Sara Sadhwani, a politics professor at Pomona College, said the growing influence of DSA reflects a broader shift to the left within the Democratic Party.
Raman has been a DSA member since before her first City Council campaign in 2020. She also received the group’s endorsement during both of her council campaigns.
The councilmember has supported several policies favored by DSA-LA. For example, she helped strengthen renter protections. She also supported changes to Los Angeles’ rent stabilization rules.
However, Raman has disagreed with the group on several major issues. Those differences have caused debate among DSA members about whether to endorse her for mayor.
One major disagreement involves public safety. Raman supported city budgets that increased police spending. The decision drew criticism from some members of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Raman also supported changes to Measure ULA, often called the “mansion tax.” Her proposal would provide an exemption for some multifamily and commercial development projects. Again, the move faced opposition from parts of DSA-LA.
The biggest dispute involved the Israel-Hamas conflict. After the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, Raman faced criticism from members of the group. In early 2024, DSA censured Raman after she sought and accepted an endorsement from Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles.
Despite those disagreements, DSA-LA members ultimately chose Raman. Tal Levy, a member of the group’s electoral politics committee, said some members had concerns about her record. However, he said many members still viewed her as the stronger choice for the general election.
Raman welcomed the endorsement. She said DSA-LA had joined a broad coalition seeking changes in how Los Angeles operates.
Bass’ campaign did not directly address the DSA endorsement. However, campaign representative Alex Stack criticized Raman’s positions on public safety and homelessness.
Democratic consultant Michael Trujillo also questioned whether the endorsement would help Raman. He argued that some moderate Democrats may view DSA’s positions negatively.
Meanwhile, DSA-LA has endorsed candidates in several other Los Angeles-area races. Its “Shake Up LA” slate includes candidates for city, congressional and school board contests.
The group endorsed Marissa Roy for city attorney and Estuardo Mazariegos for Los Angeles City Council. It also backed Angela Gonzales-Torres in the 34th Congressional District runoff against Rep. Jimmy Gomez.
The Nov. 3 Los Angeles mayoral election will now feature a clear contrast between Raman and Bass. Raman enters the race with strong backing from DSA-LA and its grassroots network. Bass, meanwhile, will seek support from a broader coalition of Los Angeles voters.
