Indian-American leader Nithya Raman has secured a place in the general election for Los Angeles mayor, scheduled for November, after defeating former reality TV star Spencer Pratt in the primary race. Reacting to the result, Raman thanked voters and supporters through a post on X, saying she remains committed to building a “healthier, safer, more affordable, and more joyful Los Angeles.” She emphasized that her campaign would continue focusing on issues affecting everyday residents, including rising rents, declining public services, and housing affordability.

Im deeply grateful to voters for giving us the chance to move forward to the general election for Mayor of Los Angeles, Raman wrote. She also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers and supporters who participated in campaigning across the city through door-to-door outreach, phone calls, text campaigns, donations, and community events. Raman further criticized what she described as a political system that often benefits powerful groups while ordinary residents struggle with expensive housing and reduced city services. She called on frustrated voters to support her movement for a city that works for all residents.

The Los Angeles City Council member will now face current Mayor Karen Bass in November’s election. Although the mayoral contest is officially non-partisan, political observers expect the race to feature competing progressive visions for the leadership of America’s second-largest city. According to CNN, Raman first gained public attention as an advocate working on homelessness-related issues before entering politics. She has pledged to cut the number of people living in tents and encampments across Los Angeles by half before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games.

Raman, who represents District 4 on the Los Angeles City Council, is an urban planner and graduate of both Harvard University and MIT. Her official biography states that she won a landmark victory in 2020, becoming the first Asian-American woman and the first South Asian elected to the council. She later secured a second term in March 2024. ABC News previously noted that Raman became the first challenger in 17 years to unseat an incumbent councilmember in Los Angeles. Since joining the council, Raman has focused on expanding affordable housing, improving services for homeless residents, and accelerating the city’s climate initiatives.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Insta@nithyaforthecity.