Los Angeles votes all-in on housing, electing YIMBY-backed Raman

City Councilmember Nithya Raman defeated Mayor Karen Bass to become the 44th mayor of Los Angeles, a win for the “yes in my backyard” groups that backed her challenge to the incumbent. The Associated Press called the race Thursday. Raman, an urban planner and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, led by 4.2 percentage points, 52.1% to 47.9%, with roughly 76% of the expected vote counted. She is the second DSA member to lead a major U.S. city. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won a year ago on an affordability platform that made more housing a focal point. Bass conceded and promised a “smooth and seamless transition.” She is the first Los Angeles mayor in two decades to lose a reelection bid. Raman won despite long odds. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, retiring former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and nearly every City Council member backed Bass. YIMBY Action, YIMBY Los Angeles and California YIMBY were among the housing groups behind Raman. Unions, progressive Democratic organizations, environmental groups and County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath also endorsed her. Housing at the center Housing and homelessness drove the campaign. Raman pitched expanded med...