Nithya Raman moved forward as Los Angeles mayor-elect on Nov. 5th after Karen Bass conceded defeat, even as ballots from Tuesday’s election continued to be counted.
The latest figures released Thursday by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office showed Raman with 460,772 votes, or 52.70 percent, while Bass had 413,519 votes, or 47.30 percent. As of Thursday afternoon,
Raman had a 47,253-vote lead, up from 26,124 entering the day Thursday morning.
Raman extended her lead since her main support base – younger, progressive voters – cast their ballots later in the election cycle, and those are the ballots now being tallied by the county.
Raman made brief remarks to reporters late Thursday afternoon before joining supporters at a private party at the Original Farmers Market to celebrate her victory.
“I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the trust that Angelenos have placed in me to be their next mayor,” Raman said. “It was a hard-fought campaign.”
“People from across the city welcomed me into their backyards, into their neighborhoods, told me about their hopes and dreams for the future of the
city, and trusted me that I would be able to take on the problems that we
have,” she added.
Raman also thanked Bass for her public service. Earlier that day, Raman released a video statement thanking the volunteers who supported her campaign. Raman also pledged to earn the trust of Bass supporters and those who did not vote.
Just before midday Thursday, Bass issued a statement conceding defeat. “While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken,” Bass said. “I have called Councilmember Nithya Raman to congratulate her on her victory, and I have committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Moving this city forward is what Los Angeles needs from all of us.”
“Four years ago, you elected me as the first Black woman mayor in the history of Los Angeles. You gave me the honor of serving the city that raised me, and every single day since, I have carried that responsibility with me.”
“I love Los Angeles. I believe in Los Angeles. And I will continue to ensure the promise of a better life belongs to all of us. Thank you.”
Bass and political action committees that support her focused their late-campaign attacks on Raman’s public-safety record, particularly her call to remove Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell. They also portrayed Raman as inexperienced.
Raman faced criticism after saying the LAPD was at a “gold standard” under former Chief Daryl Gates. She later apologized, explaining that she had been referring to Special Order 40, which limits city police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
