Story perspectives

Nithya Raman Leads Karen Bass Ahead of LA Runoff Debate

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 4:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Karen Bass and Nithya Raman will debate Tuesday at 7 p.m. on NBC4/Telemundo 52.
Raman leads Bass in an Oct. 2-7 poll, 43% to 33% support.
Raman promises more tree cover, an unarmed crisis response team, and backing the Reparations Advisory Commission.
Bass touts Inside Safe, which placed over 6,000 people in interim housing but lacks oversight.
The runoff is the first Los Angeles mayoral race between two women of color.

History

Historical Context

Maynard Jackson’s 1973 runoff victory—securing about 60 % of the vote to become Atlanta’s first Black mayor—marked a turning point after the civil-rights era, when African-American mayors rose from fewer than 50 in 1970 to over 200 by 1982. The 2024 Los Angeles runoff between councilwoman Karen Bass and activist Nithya Raman echoes that legacy as two women of color vie for the city’s top office.

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Story summary

Karen Bass and Nithya Raman will debate Tuesday at 7 p.m. on NBC4/Telemundo 52.
Raman leads Bass in an Oct. 2-7 poll, 43% to 33% support.
Raman promises more tree cover, an unarmed crisis response team, and backing the Reparations Advisory Commission.
Bass touts Inside Safe, which placed over 6,000 people in interim housing but lacks oversight.
The runoff is the first Los Angeles mayoral race between two women of color.

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