Raman wins key Latino neighborhoods as Bass fails to convert establishment support

Nithya Raman defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in last week's general election, securing a decisive victory in many of the city's key Latino neighborhoods. A Los Angeles Times analysis of precinct data reveals a stark contrast between the two candidates in these communities. In the June primary, Bass won 35 Latino-majority neighborhoods while Raman took just seven. The general election results flipped that dynamic, with Raman capturing majorities in areas from South L.A. to the Eastside and from Pico-Union to Wilmington.

The shift occurred despite heavy institutional backing for Bass from traditional Latino political figures. On Oct. 24, elected officials including City Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Imelda Padilla, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, and Rep. Luz Rivas gathered at Plaza Del Valle in Panorama City. They handed out signs and urged a crowd of about 60 to vote for Bass. Rep. Luz Rivas told attendees that relatives often call for guidance on how to fill out ballots, stating that voters need to remember Bass is the right leader.

Meanwhile, Raman’s campaign focused on grassroots engagement in the San Fernando Valley. At a canvasada in Sylmar held the same afternoon, volunteers distributed free tacos at the Carpenters Local 818 training center. DJ Danny Guerrero played music as Raman addressed the group, greeting them in Spanish and praising local community hubs. Guerrero, a 21-year-old political science major at Cal State Northridge, said Raman’s passion for protecting the community resonated with him. He noted that Raman meets people where they are, a sentiment that differed from the more formal rally in Panorama City.

Raman’s success came despite opposition from Councilmembers Padilla and Rodriguez, who had previously endorsed Bass. Padilla won her seat in 2022 with backing from the Valley Latino political machine. Marco Santana, who lost to Padilla in that primary, supported Raman in the mayoral race. Santana, 36, argued that the traditional strategy of gathering Latino politicians to direct voter choices no longer works. He stated that Latino voters now want deeds rather than institutional endorsements.

The election result follows a period of turmoil for the traditional political networks. In 2022, a leaked audio recording damaged the reputation of several top officials. Former City Councilmember Jose Huizar was sentenced to 13 years in prison in January 2024 for corruption charges. That same year, long-held Eastside seats changed hands, with Jessica Caloza and Ysabel Jurado winning their respective positions. Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s gubernatorial bid ended with only 1% of the vote.

Political consultant Michael Trujillo, an unpaid advisor to a pro-Bass group, said it will take a long time for the establishment to be reconstructed. He noted that Raman is likely to give her former opponents a fair shot because they will have no other choice. On Saturday, Raman attended a news conference to address federal immigration arrests. She shook hands with state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, SEIU California President David Huerta, and Angelica Salas, all of whom had endorsed Bass. Raman led chants for ICE to leave Boyle Heights and promised to defend immigrants in Spanish as the group applauded.

The election outcome marks a departure from the previous four-year cycle for local political leaders. Raman’s win in specific precincts indicates a change in voting patterns among Latino residents. The new administration begins with a mandate from neighborhoods that previously favored the incumbent.