Many People Want to Be Los Angeles Mayor as Deadline Nears

The race to become Los Angeles Mayor is getting busy. More people are deciding to run for the job before the deadline. Mayor Karen Bass has new people running against her. They want to fix problems like homelessness and how the city is run.
By Newsroom | Politics, Los Angeles |

The contest for Los Angeles Mayor is undergoing significant change as the filing deadline approaches. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faces renewed challenges from within her party and from outside, as new candidates enter the field. These shifts come amidst ongoing concerns about homelessness, wildfire aftermath, and city management, creating a complex and fluid political landscape.

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Key Developments in the Mayoral Contest

The filing deadline for the Los Angeles mayoral election is approaching, marking a critical period for candidate declarations. The race, which will culminate in a nonpartisan primary on June 2, 2026, and a general election on November 3, 2026, is seeing several prominent figures either enter or decide against entering the contest.

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  • Mayor Karen Bass, seeking a second term, is navigating a challenging reelection bid. Her campaign faces scrutiny following the handling of the Palisades fire and ongoing issues such as homelessness and city infrastructure.

  • Lindsey Horvath, an L.A. County Supervisor, announced she is still weighing her options regarding a mayoral run. Initially seen as a potential challenger, she has since opted not to enter the race, focusing instead on her bid for a second term as supervisor.

  • Nithya Raman, a City Council member, formally entered the race, positioning herself as a challenger from the left. Her entry introduces a dynamic shift, as she and Mayor Bass have previously been political allies.

  • A notable number of candidates, at least 30, are vying for the mayoral seat, reflecting a broad range of political perspectives and priorities for the city.

Emergence of New Challengers and Political Alliances

The field of candidates seeking to unseat Mayor Bass is expanding, with new contenders bringing diverse backgrounds and platforms to the forefront.

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  • Nithya Raman's decision to run is particularly noteworthy. She has focused on issues such as rent stabilization and homelessness during her time on the City Council. Her campaign has been framed by some as a potential move towards a more progressive political direction for the city, drawing parallels to other progressive mayors in major cities.

  • Adam Miller, a co-founder of a nonprofit focused on homelessness and affordable housing, has also entered the race. He has emphasized the need for strong leadership to address management issues within the city, beyond just homelessness, including public safety and housing crises.

  • Spencer Pratt, a former reality television personality, is also among the declared candidates. His platform has included issues related to city infrastructure, such as a lawsuit against the city regarding water pressure failures that may have impacted wildfire response.

  • Other candidates include Rae Huang, Deputy Director of Housing Now California, and Asaad Alnajjar, a veteran city engineer.

Underlying Issues Shaping the Election

The mayoral election is taking place against a backdrop of significant urban challenges that are informing the discourse and candidate platforms.

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  • Homelessness and Housing: This remains a central issue, with candidates like Nithya Raman highlighting their focus on rent stabilization and addressing homelessness. Adam Miller also brings a focus on affordable housing to his campaign.

  • Wildfire Aftermath and City Response: The fallout from a devastating wildfire, including questions surrounding the city's response and official reports, continues to cast a shadow. Reports indicating revisions to a fire department after-action report have raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

  • City Management and Public Safety: Candidates like Adam Miller are calling for improved city management and stronger leadership to tackle perceived declines in city cleanliness and address public safety concerns.

  • Immigration Policies: Ongoing immigration raids in the city are also noted as a factor creating an environment of concern among residents.

Candidate Stances and Campaign Dynamics

The burgeoning field of candidates presents a spectrum of political ideologies and approaches to governing Los Angeles.

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  • Mayor Bass's campaign has responded to Nithya Raman's entry by criticizing Raman's past voting record on homelessness and police funding, signaling a likely contentious political battle.

  • Raman's candidacy has been analyzed as a test of whether Los Angeles is prepared to elect a mayor with a platform aligned with more progressive movements in other major cities.

  • The nonpartisan nature of the primary means that candidates from all parties can advance to the general election if they secure sufficient votes.

Expert Observations

Political analysts are observing the dynamic shifts in the mayoral race.

"The entry of Nithya Raman changes the calculus of the race. It's no longer just a referendum on Mayor Bass's first term; it introduces a clear alternative from the progressive wing of the Democratic party."

  • The competition is characterized by a broad array of candidates, each bringing a unique set of experiences and policy proposals to the forefront.

  • The proximity of the filing deadline has amplified the sense of urgency and strategic maneuvering among potential and declared candidates.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Los Angeles mayoral race is in a state of flux, with the filing deadline creating a period of significant activity. Mayor Karen Bass faces a field of challengers, including notable figures like City Council member Nithya Raman and tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, each aiming to address key city issues from diverse perspectives. The election is shaping up to be a critical moment for the city, with debates centering on homelessness, city management, and the future direction of Los Angeles. The coming months will likely see further developments as campaigns intensify and voters begin to weigh their options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is running for Los Angeles Mayor?
Current Mayor Karen Bass is running again. City Council member Nithya Raman and others have also entered the race. Many people are trying to run for mayor.
Q: When is the election?
The first vote is in June 2026. The final vote is in November 2026.
Q: What are the main problems people are talking about?
People are worried about homelessness, housing, and how the city is managed. They are also talking about problems from wildfires and safety.
Q: Is Lindsey Horvath running for Mayor?
No, Lindsey Horvath decided not to run for Mayor. She will focus on her job as a County Supervisor.