Los Angeles Votes For Mayor

What happened

Updated 10:12am ET

Councilmember Nithya Raman overtook Mayor Karen Bass in early returns in Los Angeles’ mayoral election, but the race remained undecided Wednesday as ballots were counted.
With an estimated 63% of the vote counted, Raman had 377,458 votes, or 51.1%, to Bass’ 360,864 votes, or 48.9%.
The contest between two Democrats and former allies pitted Bass and City Hall’s political establishment against Raman and newer progressive groups.
Raman told supporters the election reflected a demand for change and highlighted rising living costs, while Bass expressed confidence she would win.
A clearer outcome could take days as counting continues, with final results scheduled to be certified Nov. 27.

How the left told it

Only one left-leaning outlet, the Los Angeles Times, covered the story, framing it as an establishment-versus-progressive contest. Its earlier report had Bass narrowly ahead but said the small gap did not bode well for her because Raman was expected to gain from late-arriving ballots.

How the right told it

Right-leaning outlets focused on the close race and the candidates’ bitter rivalry. The New York Post highlighted an “excruciating wait” before reporting Raman’s overnight lead, while The Center Square described a near tie. The Daily Mail emphasized campaign attacks, calling the contest a “polling day catfight.”