Karen Basss own allies fear she is floundering in LA mayors race: energy is with Nithya

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ own allies are sounding the alarm over her reelection fight against DSA City Councilmember Nithya Raman — with some privately saying the challenger has the momentum.Several unnamed Bass supporters and campaign insiders told POLITICO they are increasingly concerned about Raman’s campaign, particularly after she secured backing from major labor organizations including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and Unite Here Local 11, which has a substantial field operation.“Those are serious unions with people and money.That was a bit surprising,” one Bass ally said.

Another Bass supporter was even more blunt about the state of the race.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story “I think you have to give Nithya the advantage.I really do.

I think we could turn that around but the energy is with Nithya, and it’s unfortunate.”The same ally said the concern has become a regular topic inside Bass’ political orbit.“I have a version of this assessment or conversation every 30 minutes.

People are very worried about it and focused on it.”Bass’ chief strategist, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, pushed back on that assessment, arguing that the campaign has always expected a competitive contest.“We’ve always known that this was going to be a tight race, and so that’s what we’ve been operating on, and it remains so.“But we continue to see the mayor ahead, especially with her base supporters, which is where we’ve invested a lot of time and energy early on.”The November matchup was set after the June primary, when Bass finished with roughly 34% of the vote and Raman with about 29%.Spencer Pratt took roughly 26%, meaning his voters could become an important bloc in the runoff. Political strategist Matt Klink...