The race for best dressed is on — and not every California politician is avoiding the fashion police.

California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra and Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman headed to the polls on Election Day, as Mayor Karen Bass voted Sunday — they all sported wildly different looks that left celebrity stylists with plenty to turn their noses up at.

While none of the politicians exactly brought red-carpet glam to the voting booth, two fashion experts agreed there was one clear winner, and one candidate who desperately needed a wardrobe intervention.

Becerra was joined by his wife Dr. Carolina Reyes at the Belle Cooledge Community Center in Sacramento, where the Democrat opted for a comfy-cozy look in an olive green sweater, baggy faded blue jeans and black adidas sneakers — a decidedly dressed-down look for the special occasion.

Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch gave Becerra’s lackluster getup a mediocre 5/10, suggesting the politician was trying to appeal to everyday voters rather than make a fashion statement.

“He’s definitely appealing to the grassroots kind of voter,” Bloch told the California Post. “I would say all three of them definitely left the glitz and glamour of the red carpet at home. Nobody brought it to the polls, that’s for sure.”

But Bloch couldn’t resist taking a swipe at Becerra’s particular sartorial choices.

“I’m really surprised. Fashion says something. Fashion is drag… his drag says ‘I’m a drag,’” Bloch quipped. “It’s a mediocre sweater. He did not get this on Rodeo Drive… he did not get into his political slush fund.”

Los Angeles-based fashion stylist and interior designer Jessy Cain was even less impressed, handing Becerra a dismal 3/10.

“I wanted to see more polish for Election Day,” Cain told The Post. “The chunky, muted green sweater and light-wash jeans feel too casual for the occasion. I’m usually a fan of classic Levi’s on men, but this combination doesn’t feel special enough for the moment.”

Meanwhile, LA’s Raman headed to the polls with her son, daughter and husband Vali Chandrasekaran to cast her vote at the Silverlake Community Church on Tuesday.


Here is the latest on the 2026 California governors race


DSA-backed Raman, who represents the 4th District, wore a long black sleeve top with an orange wrap-around skirt and black boots. The look earned her a 7/10 from Bloch, who appreciated that she had made an effort to put together an actual outfit rather than throw on whatever was in her closet.

“She gave it a vibe. She got up and thought about it at least, the boot with the top,” Bloch said.

But even the day’s best-dressed wasn’t immune to criticism. “I am not an orange and black fan because you look like you’re at Halloween.”

Cain agreed that Raman deserved the top spot, awarding her a 6/10. Although, she also took issue with the color combination.

“I appreciate that she put some thought into her ensemble,” Cain said. “I like the boots and the neckline of her top, but the orange skirt paired with black feels a little too Halloween for me.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass beat the other two to the polls and voted on Sunday in the upcoming election. Bass showed up at a Koreatown YMCA to cast her ballot, keeping things business casual with a black top, black pants, camel suit jacket and Adidas sneakers.

Bloch awarded Bass a respectable 6/10, praising her practical approach to dressing, even if it wasn’t turning heads.

“I like that her clothes fit her. She’s got a worker’s wardrobe. I think for her, I like these colors for her coloring,” Bloch said, acknowledging that the Mayor is “not a style girl.”


Here is the latest on the 2026 LA mayors race


Cain wasn’t quite as generous, giving Bass a 4.5/10 and suggesting the mayor’s wardrobe could use a refresh.

“I like the black base with the Adidas sneakers — they bring a little California cool to the outfit,” Cain said. “The blazer, though, feels tired, and the color doesn’t do much for the overall look. A winter white suit would have looked incredibly chic and pulled together.”

Still, when it came to declaring an Election Day fashion champion, the two stylists were in complete agreement: Raman had won the style vote.

“I think Nithya brings it. You can go a lot of different places in that outfit,” Bloch added.

While the election results remain to be seen, the fashion verdict is in: Raman takes the crown, Bass lands in the middle, and Becerra and his lazy dad jeans look finished dead last.


Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!


Share.
Exit mobile version