Nithya Raman’s LA mayoral win: Progressive shift or rejection of Bass? – Los Angeles Daily News

Nithya Raman’s LA mayoral win: Progressive shift or rejection of Bass?  Los Angeles Daily News

Nithya Raman's victory over Karen Bass marks a breakthrough for LA progressives. But analysts say dissatisfaction with Bass and a broader anti-establishment mood may have been just as decisive. For Los Angeles progressives, Nithya Raman’s victory over Karen Bass is the culmination of years of organizing and electoral gains that have reshaped City Hall. But it also raises a question that could define Raman’s mayoralty: How many Angelenos voted for her vision of a more progressive city, and how many simply wanted a change from Bass? The answer may be both, according to political observers, who point to the growing strength of progressive candidates alongside widespread dissatisfaction with Bass’ handling of the deadly Palisades fire and other challenges facing Los Angeles.

Fernando Guerra, a political science professor and founding director of Loyola Marymount University’s Center for the Study of Los Angeles, described Raman’s victory as transformational, saying it reflected a new political coalition built around younger voters and an increasingly influential progressive movement. But when asked which factor was most decisive, Guerra pointed to voters’ desire to reject the political establishment. “I think it was the anti-establishment vote for change,” Guerra said. He described that sentiment as part of a broader national trend, with voters frustrated by political leaders they believe have failed to respond to their needs. While that