The Democratic Socialists of America’s Los Angeles chapter endorsed Nithya Raman for Mayor on Wednesday, following weeks of internal debate. More than 60 percent of voting members supported the progressive City Council member challenging Mayor Karen Bass. Sean Wakasa, co-chair of the Los Angeles D.

S. A. chapter, stated the endorsement aims to "shake up Los Angeles and build a brighter future." Despite Raman’s recent distancing from the group, the chapter views her as a key ally. In a city with significant moderate and labor influence, the endorsement signals continued left-wing momentum.

Raman thanked the group for joining her "broad coalition of Angelenos." Conversely, the Bass campaign highlighted Raman’s past opposition to anti-camping rules and police budget increases, accusing her of flip-flopping. Raman maintains she has been a Democrat her whole life and joined D. S.

A. in 2019 due to its focus on housing affordability. Since her 2020 election, several other D. S.

A. members have won City Council seats. However, Raman has occasionally broken with the organization, clashing over a mansion tax and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the 2022 primary, the chapter declined a formal endorsement but recommended voters choose Raman over Bass and Spencer Pratt.