From Indian Roots to LA Politics: Nithya Raman Emerges as a Key Mayoral Contender in Los Angeles

Nithya Raman Seeks to Carve Her Own Political Identity in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Nithya Raman may have some political similarities with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, but the Kerala-born Los Angeles City Council member is determined to build her own identity rather than be viewed as his counterpart on the West Coast.

Raman is preparing for the November 3 mayoral runoff against incumbent Karen Bass, with her campaign focusing on the pressing civic concerns facing Los Angeles. While comparisons with Mamdani have brought attention to her political rise, she has emphasised that her background, priorities and approach to governance are distinct.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Raman acknowledged Mamdani’s popularity and communication skills but stressed that she has her own political identity. She said she appreciated the comparison while making clear that she was not simply another version of the New York leader.

Why Raman Is Being Compared to Mamdani

Both Raman and Mamdani have received backing from the Democratic Socialists of America and come from South Asian immigrant families. They were born outside the United States and have used social media to connect with voters and challenge established political leadership.

However, Raman’s campaign has largely revolved around the practical challenges of running Los Angeles. Housing costs, homelessness, public infrastructure and the delivery of essential city services have featured prominently in her political agenda.

According to The New York Times, she has advocated stronger monitoring of homelessness programmes, greater accountability within municipal departments, improved tenant protections and sustained investment in infrastructure.

Her positions have not always aligned with sections of the political Left. Raman, for instance, has sought changes to a voter-approved mansion tax, citing concerns that it could discourage the construction of apartment buildings.

From Kerala to American Local Politics

Raman was born in Kerala into a Tamil family and moved to the United States when she was six. She spent her childhood in Louisiana before her family relocated to Massachusetts.

She studied at Harvard University and later earned a master’s degree in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After completing her education, she returned to India and established Transparent Chennai, a research initiative examining urban issues such as sanitation, environmental conditions and civic infrastructure.

Raman moved to Los Angeles with her husband in 2013 and became involved in community efforts addressing homelessness. She also helped establish the SELAH Neighbourhood Homeless Coalition, which brought together local groups working on homelessness-related issues.

From Community Activist to Mayoral Contender

Raman’s entry into electoral politics followed her frustration with the response to housing and shelter concerns in her neighbourhood. In 2020, she challenged her local City Council representative and defeated the incumbent.

She retained her position after facing a well-funded electoral challenge in 2024, strengthening her profile in Los Angeles politics.

Her mayoral campaign has since drawn support amid dissatisfaction with the city’s current leadership. Yet her political appeal is rooted in local concerns and her record in neighbourhood-level activism, rather than simply the similarities she shares with Mamdani.

The runoff against Karen Bass represents a major test of Raman’s political influence. Leading Los Angeles would bring significant responsibilities, particularly with the 2028 Olympic Games approaching.

If elected, Raman would become the first South Asian woman to serve as mayor of Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in the city’s political history.