Nithya Raman goes scorched earth on Karen Bass secret deals as mayoral race turns nasty

Lefty mayoral candidate Nithya Raman accused the incumbent Karen Bass of engaging in “pay-to-play politics” over a proposal that would expand who qualifies for short-term rentals in Los Angeles.The blistering criticism came in a lengthy social media thread posted just hours after Raman held a press conference targeting a proposal tucked inside Bass’ 2026-27 city budget plan.The proposal would loosen current city rules and allow some non-primary residences — including investment properties and apartments — to be used as short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb.“Hours after I held a press conference exposing Mayor Bass’s secret deal to allow rental homes to be turned into vacation rentals, filings were published showing that Airbnb is spending big on a PAC to get her reelected,” Raman wrote on X.

“This is what pay-to-play politics looks like.”In a series of follow-up posts, Raman alleged the mayor was helping corporate interests at the expense of renters struggling with soaring housing costs.“Here’s how pay-to-play works: A politician delivers policy favors to a corporation or special interest.The corporation spends money to keep the politician in power,” Raman wrote.

“But the everyday people of Los Angeles lose.”The fight centers on Bass’ proposal to revisit Los Angeles’ short-term rental restrictions ahead of the 2028 Olympics and other major international events headed to the city.Under current law, Los Angeles residents can generally only rent out their primary residence on a short-term basis.Bass’ budget proposal would explore allowing owners of second homes and non-primary residences to legally operate short-term rentals — a move supporters argue could generate additional tax revenue and expand lodging options for tourists.“This is obviously false — another conspiracy theory from a failing candidate who is grasping at straws after her debate disasters and polling showing she won’t make the runoff,” Ale...