Nithya Raman’s Political Journey: From Underdog to Contender

On the evening of June primary night, Nithya Raman found herself back in a familiar scenario. Despite being outspent by rivals and mocked by naysayers, she stood before her supporters at a downtown brewery. Initially, it seemed her political career might be at an end.

In the early returns for Los Angeles mayoral race, Raman was trailing behind incumbent Karen Bass and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt. Thanking her supporters for rallying behind her ‘little campaign,’ Raman appeared to be bracing for defeat.

‘We may not get an answer we like,’ Raman stated. ‘But regardless of what happens next, nobody—nobody—can take away what all of us have built together.’

Her speech was short, concluding with her joining the dance floor to greet her supporters. The gesture seemed more like an attempt to escape the challenging reality than to embrace happiness. However, on reflection, it seems she was confidently accepting what lay ahead.

As more votes were counted, Raman surpassed Pratt, earning a place in the November runoff against Bass. Despite the political shockwaves her decision to enter the race caused, drawing accusations of betrayal for opposing Bass, a longtime ally, Raman ran a determined campaign. Her campaign succeeded when she secured endorsements from the L.A. chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Unite Here Local 11, a significant hospitality workers union.

These endorsements have added to Raman’s campaign strength. Unite Here lends working-class credibility, while the DSA offers support from a wide-reaching democratic socialist network influential in nationwide elections.

This backing wasn’t guaranteed. Despite Raman being a member, the L.A. chapter didn’t officially endorse her in the mayoral primary due to concerns about aligning with her positions on police funding, mansion tax, and controversial political events.

Unite Here, traditionally a supporter of Bass, has now shifted towards Raman. This move showcases her ability to win support despite challenges, underscoring her role as a comeback force in L.A. politics.

Raman first demonstrated her comeback ability in 2020, when she emerged victorious against David Ryu, a sitting council member, thought to be unbeatable. Her track record of tackling challenges has been evident ever since, despite attempts by political figures to undermine her position.

In the 2024 primary, Raman achieved outright victory despite opposition from powerful insiders, proving her resilience once again. Although her campaign raised less funds compared to Bass and Pratt, Raman successfully navigated the debates and political endorsement challenges. Even with fellow democratic socialists endorsing Bass, she outplayed her opponents.

‘These powerful interests spent millions of dollars against this little campaign, spent millions trying to preserve this city’s broken and unjust status quo,’ she told supporters. ‘And we said no.’

Looking at the road ahead, Bass remains a formidable opponent. Known for her never having lost an election, Bass navigates through crises with determination. Raman faces criticism from various council members and anticipates tough campaigns in significant regions.

Her pragmatic approach distinguishes her record from extreme socialist views despite critics’ attempts to paint her otherwise. Her presence has even caught Pratt’s attention, who previously targeted Bass.

Reflecting on the campaign launch night, Raman’s father, Venkit, joked about her career choice, highlighting the meaning of her full name: Nithya Varsha—’forever monsoon’ in Sanskrit. Raman embodies a force of life-giving momentum, now poised to see how far her political journey can reach.