Los Angeles, Nov 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Los Angeles Mayor-elect Nithya Raman will face an immediate political challenge in securing City Council support for her agenda, after winning the mayoral election against Karen Bass despite receiving no endorsements from her fellow councilmembers.
Thirteen of the council’s 14 other members had backed Bass, including colleagues from the Democratic Socialists of America. However, following Bass’s concession on Thursday, councilmembers have signalled their willingness to work with Raman, recognising the importance of cooperation in implementing her priorities.
The City Council holds significant authority over municipal governance, including approving the city budget and confirming mayoral appointments.
“Disagreement is inevitable, but dysfunction is a choice, and we do not have the luxury right now of dysfunction,” Katy Yaroslavsky, chair of the council’s budget committee, told LAist.
Raman has made ambitious commitments on homelessness, housing and employment. She has pledged to halve the number of people living in tents and encampments before the 2028 Olympics, triple annual housing construction and establish a staffed film office to help bring Hollywood jobs back to Los Angeles.
In a video message after Bass conceded, Raman reached out to residents who had supported her rival or had not voted, promising to work to regain their confidence.
Several councilmembers who backed Bass have indicated areas of potential cooperation. Hugo Soto-Martínez cited housing affordability and renter protection, while homelessness committee chair Ysabel Jurado expressed readiness to work with Raman on affordable housing, safer streets and reliable public services.
Even critics of Raman’s campaign have offered to cooperate. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez congratulated her, while Imelda Padilla expressed interest in strengthening ties between the San Fernando Valley and City Hall.
The incoming mayor will, however, face tight financial constraints. Yaroslavsky has warned of a difficult budget period, with both women having previously opposed a proposed $2.6 billion Convention Center expansion over concerns about its financial implications.
One of Raman’s early decisions will be choosing a successor to represent the 4th Council District. The city charter allows either an appointment or a special election to fill the vacancy.
Raman also has the backing of City Controller Kenneth Mejia, the only elected City Hall official to endorse her. She has promised to allow him to audit all city spending on homelessness.
A two-term councilmember, Raman entered the mayoral race in February, despite having previously endorsed Bass, who had supported her council re-election campaign two years earlier.
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