Raman Overtakes Pratt in Late Vote Count
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman surged past Republican Spencer Pratt on Sunday to secure the second spot in the mayoral runoff, overcoming a deficit that had favored the reality television star through much of election night. With 83 percent of votes counted, Raman held 27.1 percent to Pratt's 26.7 percent, a margin of less than one percentage point. Mayor Karen Bass advanced to the November general election with just under 35 percent of the vote, having already secured her place in the runoff before Sunday's results shifted.
Pratt's initial lead evaporated as mail-in ballots were counted over several days following the June 2 primary. Los Angeles registered Democrats had waited until the last minute to cast their ballots as they sorted through options in the state's governor's race, according to Decision Desk HQ, and that down-to-the-wire voting pattern affected how the mayoral results unfolded. Pratt questioned the late surge in votes favoring Raman on social media but told supporters Monday that hundreds of thousands of ballots remained outstanding with three weeks left to count.
Raman's Unlikely Path to the Runoff
Raman announced her mayoral bid in February as a last-minute challenger to Bass, whom she had previously endorsed. She entered the race with no institutional backing and as a political newcomer to the mayoral contest. Raman was first elected to City Council in 2020, becoming the first Asian American woman and first South Asian to serve on the council. She was also the first challenger in 17 years to defeat a sitting councilmember.
Speaking to supporters on election night, Raman reflected on her underdog status. "No one knew who I was; I was the last to enter this race," she said. "We had no institutional backing. But what we did have was a vision for Los Angeles." On Monday, as updated vote counts continued rolling in, Raman expressed gratitude to her supporters. "We are encouraged by the latest vote count and remain grateful to the thousands of Angelenos who have powered this campaign," she said in a statement.
Bass Campaign Attacks Raman's Record
Mayor Bass's campaign quickly attacked Raman after Sunday's projection showed her advancing to the runoff. Bass campaign spokesperson Alex Stack issued a statement criticizing Raman's handling of homelessness and public safety. "We look forward to winning a contest against an opponent who allows encampments near schools and fights against hiring more cops, yet is MIA on saving Hollywood jobs and fighting back when ICE invades LA," Stack said.
With no candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote, the November runoff between Bass and Raman will determine who leads the country's second largest city. Counties have 30 days from Election Day to count ballots on a provisional basis, meaning final results may not be certified for weeks.
