Nithya Raman embraces Israel boycott amid socialist revolt threatening her mayoral campaign

Nithya Raman has embraced a boycott of Israel that she once opposed, as her socialist allies threaten to abandon the Los Angeles mayoral candidate just days before the election.The Democratic Socialists of America’s national leadership narrowly voted 14-13 Monday night to give Raman until Saturday to clarify her full support for the boycott, or risk losing the powerful political group’s endorsement just 48 hours before Election Day.Raman brushed off the escalating feud Tuesday, dismissing the fight among her socialist allies as “internal political theater.” 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 “The chapter locally has endorsed me, and I continue to remain, you know, grateful for their support,” Raman told ABC7, adding that the infighting was “not the concern of voters here in Los Angeles.”Her remarks came just a day after she appeared to embrace the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, known as BDS, which seeks to pressure Israel over its treatment of Palestinians through economic boycotts, withdrawing investments and imposing sanctions.“I believe the best way for working Angelenos to stand in solidarity with Gaza is through non-violent protest, legislative action, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS,” Raman wrote in a statement submitted to the DSA Monday.That’s a sharp shift from 2020, when Raman said she did not personally support BDS and opposed local government agencies participating in boycotts against Israel.The showdown with the DSA comes as Raman battles incumbent Mayor Karen Bass for control of City Hall, with the organization that helped launch Raman’s political career now threatening to turn against her.DSA’s Los Angeles chapter has helped build Raman’s political operation, supplying volunteers, grassroots organizing...