Progressive Nithya Raman Nears Victory in Los Angeles Mayoral Race
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Progressive Democrat Nithya Raman is close to winning the Los Angeles mayoral election, leading incumbent Karen Bass in a race where 37% of votes are still uncounted. Raman, who has accused Israel of genocide and described it as an apartheid state, has faced criticism from the Jewish community but also friction with the far-left. Her platform centers on local issues like housing and homelessness, and if elected, she will lead a city with a large Israeli and Jewish population.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Nithya Raman is nearing victory in the Los Angeles mayoral race, potentially unseating incumbent Karen Bass.
- Raman has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and called it an apartheid state.
- Her statements have drawn criticism from the Los Angeles Jewish community.
- She has also faced pressure from the left regarding her stance on the BDS movement.
- Raman's platform focuses on local issues like housing and homelessness.
- The election results are still pending with 37% of votes uncounted.
Nithya Raman, a progressive Democrat and current Los Angeles City Council member, is on the verge of winning the city's mayoral election, potentially unseating incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Early results show Raman leading Bass by approximately 16,500 votes, with about 37% of ballots yet to be counted. Experts anticipate Raman's victory, as many remaining votes are expected to come from younger, progressive voters who tend to support her.
Raman, 45, who immigrated to the U.S. from India as a child and has a background in urban planning and homelessness advocacy, entered politics in 2020. Her mayoral campaign has been marked by controversy over her strong criticisms of Israel and its war in Gaza. In a May interview, Raman agreed with accusations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and described Israel as an "apartheid state," while also acknowledging its right to exist.
These statements have drawn sharp criticism from segments of the Los Angeles Jewish community. Rabbi Noah Farkas, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, stated that accusing Israel of genocide is deeply hurtful. Raman has pledged to protect Jewish residents and combat antisemitism if elected.
Her political stances have also led to friction within the progressive movement. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) considered withdrawing support due to her perceived lack of clear backing for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Raman has previously called BDS a "legitimate form of non-violent protest" and stated that solidarity with Gazans is best expressed through non-violent protest, legislation, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS.
Raman's platform focuses on local issues such as the housing crisis, tenant protection, and homelessness. She presents herself as an alternative to the city's establishment, while the 73-year-old Bass has support from key Democratic figures and labor unions. If Raman wins, she will lead a city with a significant Israeli and Jewish population where the debate over Israel has become a notable part of local politics.
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