Karen Bass’s own allies fear she is floundering in LA mayor’s race: ‘energy is with Nithya’

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ own allies are sounding the alarm over her reelection fight against DSA City Councilmember Nithya Raman — with some privately saying the challenger has the momentum.

Several unnamed Bass supporters and campaign insiders told POLITICO they are increasingly concerned about Raman’s campaign, particularly after she secured backing from major labor organizations including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and Unite Here Local 11, which has a substantial field operation.

“Those are serious unions with people and money. That was a bit surprising,” one Bass ally said. Another Bass supporter was even more blunt about the state of the race.

“I think you have to give Nithya the advantage. I really do. I think we could turn that around but the energy is with Nithya, and it’s unfortunate.”

The same ally said the concern has become a regular topic inside Bass’ political orbit. “I have a version of this assessment or conversation every 30 minutes. People are very worried about it and focused on it.”

Bass’ chief strategist, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, pushed back on that assessment, arguing that the campaign has always expected a competitive contest.

“We’ve always known that this was going to be a tight race, and so that’s what we’ve been operating on, and it remains so.

“But we continue to see the mayor ahead, especially with her base supporters, which is where we’ve invested a lot of time and energy early on.”

The November matchup was set after the June primary, when Bass finished with roughly 34% of the vote and Raman with about 29%. Spencer Pratt took roughly 26%, meaning his voters could become an important bloc in the runoff. 

Political strategist Matt Klink told the California Post the Pratt vote could be particularly important in determining how the runoff develops.

“If the Bass team isn’t targeting Pratt voters, especially in the San Fernando Valley, they’re making a mistake of epic proportions,” Klink said.

“A Bass defeat is still very possible. Bass needs to give Pratt voters a reason to vote against Raman. They need to fear Raman more than they dislike Bass,” he added.

The former Republican consultant, who has worked on numerous campaigns, said Pratt is sounding the alarm on Bass, constantly “blaming” the mayor for L.A.’s problems. The challenge for the incumbent, he said, is to mount a defense.

“Spencer Pratt doesn’t like and blames Bass for L.A.’s problems. Pratt also says Raman would be a disaster,” he added. “Bass needs to make that point to Pratt voters: She is not. And time is running out.”

Klink also said the perception that Raman currently has more campaign energy is tied in part to what he described as a relatively low-profile Bass operation.

“The sentiment that Raman has the energy is real, due in large part to the fact that Karen Bass is running a low-activity campaign. While her campaign says they always knew the race would be close, they’re not engaging with voters like it is,” he told the Post, hoping steam picks up just 50 days out from Election Day.

Bass’ campaign has begun sharpening its attacks on Raman, including launching a website and social-media operation branding the councilmember “No Show Nithya” over missed council votes.

The campaign has also amplified criticism from Councilmember Traci Park over Raman’s record in the Pacific Palisades following the devastating 2025 wildfires.

Bass is also campaigning under the shadow of several controversies from her first term.

Her administration has faced continuing scrutiny over homelessness spending and the operations of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

On Tuesday, Bass skipped a House Oversight subcommittee hearing examining federally funded homelessness programs, calling the proceeding politically motivated. Chairman Tim Burchett said he was prepared to consider subpoenas to compel her testimony. 

The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires have likewise remained a major political issue, with Bass facing criticism over her absence from Los Angeles when the fires erupted while she was on a presidential delegation trip to Ghana. Her subsequent clash with then-LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley also became a major flashpoint during her first term.

Raman, meanwhile, has made Bass’ record on homelessness, housing, public services and the city’s response to the fires central to her challenge.

“If the election is a referendum on Bass’s leadership, Raman wins. If it’s a choice between two competing visions, Bass can win but she has to make that case. She’s not doing that now,” Klink added.

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