Commentary: L.A. voters went bold by choosing Raman as mayor. Let's hope she stays bold
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Set us as preferred Bold.That’s what I initially thought when a political novice named Nithya Raman upset an incumbent in 2020 to become the first democratic socialist elected to the Los Angeles City Council.That’s what I felt when Raman weathered well-funded challengers and loudmouth opponents to win reelection outright in the 2024 primary, despite representing a district redrawn to her disadvantage.Bold was Raman filing to run for mayor just before the deadline.
Taking on her ally Karen Bass, an L.A.institution she had endorsed just weeks earlier.
Angering members of the Democratic Socialist of America’s L.A.chapter, who hadn’t planned to mount a mayoral campaign this year.
Calling out L.A.establishment shibboleths like the pricey convention center renovation.
Picking Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” as a campaign theme song despite its stark lyrics of urban despair.Dancing with all the grace of Elaine from “Seinfeld” on primary night, despite being in third place at the time.
California Bass conceded her loss in a phone call to Raman on Thursday.‘While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the people of Los Angeles have spoken,’ Bass said.“Bold,” I texted a friend when we found out Raman was holding her Nov.
3 election night party at the Greek Theatre — either a brilliant move that would mark the start of a new day for L.A., or the worst venue choice for a political loser since Hillary Clinton threw her 2016 party in a hotel ballroom with a glass ceiling.Bold was all Raman had going for her.Bass raised more funds and was backed by L.A.’s blue establishment.
Haters, from the Los Angeles Police Protective League to the California Post to her fellow city council members, painted Raman as an immature, insecure pinko wimp who didn’t know L.A.and could barely do her job, let alone run ...