Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman are scheduled to engage in a crucial debate at 7 p.m. three weeks prior to Election Day. This event will be broadcast on NBC4 and Telemundo 52, and available for streaming online at nbcla.com and telemundo52.com. According to a Berkeley IGS/L.A. Times poll, Nithya Raman leads with 39% of likely voters’ support, compared to Karen Bass who holds 28%. A significant portion, 33%, remain undecided.
Generational divides mark this election, with younger voters favoring Raman and older voters leaning toward Bass. Viewers can access more details on these candidates in the voter guide.
Ali: It’s notable how a number of politically informed individuals were unaware of this debate’s occurrence tonight. Many were surprised that it would be on network television. Venturing onto Telemundo or NBC’s live feed seems daunting for some, yet it’s accessible.
Raman, despite her polling advantage, remains an enigma to many. She needs to showcase her identity beyond being a Bass alternative. Bass, on her part, must defend her track record while addressing a populace yearning for change.
Key Issues in the Debate
The debate, co-hosted with Loyola Marymount University, will be moderated by several respected journalists. Key topics include:
- Police Chief Politics: Following criticisms over a social media post by Raman, Bass may challenge her on public safety issues.
- Raman’s Demeanor: Raman’s performance in previous debates has been uneven. Observers will watch for improvements in her presentation.
- Wildfire Response: Bass has faced scrutiny over her handling of major wildfires. Raman might use this debate to critique her record.
Interested individuals can listen live on 89.3 FM and follow real-time coverage on the Los Angeles Times platform.

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