Los Angeles voters are three weeks from deciding between Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman in the runoff election, following a contentious final debate Tuesday night. The candidates sparred over public safety, police accountability, and homelessness, with Bass accusing Raman of policy reversals and Raman criticizing Bass’s leadership during recent crises.
Key developments from the debate:
- Bass highlighted public safety concerns, citing a social media video to question Raman’s approach to policing and accountability.
- Raman challenged Bass’s record, pointing to the mayor’s handling of homelessness, fires in Pacific Palisades and Boyle Heights, and the Palisades disaster response.
The debate underscored sharp contrasts in the candidates’ visions for the city, with both seeking to sway voters who backed third-place primary finisher Spencer Pratt and remain dissatisfied with City Hall.
Public Safety and Policing Take Center Stage
Bass opened the debate by framing public safety as her opponent’s weak point, referencing a video that questioned Raman’s stance on policing. She argued that Raman’s past support for defunding the police and subsequent reversal on an LAPD budget increase demonstrated inconsistency. Raman countered by accusing Bass of failing to address crime and homelessness during her tenure, noting that the mayor was “missing in action” during the Pacific Palisades and Boyle Heights fires.
Raman also criticized Bass’s Inside Safe homelessness initiative, which she had previously supported but now calls for overhaul. “Your colleagues have a very difficult time working with you,” Raman told Bass during the debate, referencing Bass’s contentious relationships with other officials.
Leadership and Policy Reversals Under Scrutiny
Coverage of Raman’s campaign has focused heavily on her policy shifts, with critics arguing they reflect a lack of clear direction. Raman’s past endorsements of the Democratic Socialists of America, support for the mansion tax, and initial backing of Inside Safe have all been followed by abrupt reversals. Sara Sadhwani, a politics professor at Pomona College, described Raman’s trajectory as a “political identity crisis,” a characterization Raman disputes.
Bass, meanwhile, has emphasized her experience, noting that Raman’s constituents reelected her in 2022 despite criticism. Bass also highlighted endorsements from immigrant rights groups and moderate leaders like Imelda Padilla, who has publicly opposed Raman. “She’s not ready for prime time,” Bass said of Raman, framing the race as a choice between stability and untested leadership.
Homelessness and City Services Remain Top Voter Concerns
Polling shows a significant portion of likely voters remain undecided, with many citing dissatisfaction over homelessness, eroding services, and disaster response as key factors. Raman has positioned herself as an outsider willing to challenge the political establishment, while Bass has defended her record, arguing that progress takes time amid entrenched challenges.
The debate did not resolve lingering questions about Raman’s platform, leaving voters to weigh her policy shifts against Bass’s incumbency. With election day less than three weeks away, both campaigns are intensifying outreach to undecided voters, particularly those who backed Pratt in the primary.