Mayor Bass Faces Nithya Raman

What happened

Updated 8:36pm ET

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra stopped short of endorsing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as she faced Councilmember Nithya Raman in Tuesday’s election.
Raman highlighted Becerra’s remarks at Monday’s joint campaign appearance, while Bass’s campaign countered that he had campaigned with Bass, not Raman.
The campaign centered on homelessness, housing, public safety and Bass’s leadership following the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire.
The final UC Berkeley poll showed Bass and Raman tied at 40% among likely voters, with 19% undecided.
The election remained unresolved, with mail and other ballots counted after Election Day potentially delaying a winner.

How the left told it

Left-leaning outlets were represented only by the Los Angeles Times, which emphasized voter guidance and endorsements in a tied race. Its candidate guide described Bass’s establishment and labor support and Raman’s backing from newer political groups; another article highlighted celebrity supporters on both sides.

How the right told it

Right-leaning outlets emphasized campaign clashes and questions about leadership. The New York Post highlighted Becerra’s apparent snub and Bass’s attacks on Raman, while the Daily Mail called the contest a “polling day catfight.” The Center Square and Just the News focused on disputes over crisis response, policing and homelessness.