Campaign High Importance

LA Mayor Karen Bass to face Nithya Raman in Nov. 3 general election, becoming first incumbent to face a runoff since 2005

Source: Ballotpedia News June 12, 2026 at 1:31 PM (2 days ago) California Senate Race

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will face city council member Nithya Raman in a November 3 general election runoff after neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the June primary. Bass becomes the first incumbent LA mayor to advance to a runoff since 2005, signaling a competitive reelection bid.

Key Points

  • Bass failed to secure majority support in the primary, forcing a general election runoff against Raman
  • This is the first mayoral runoff involving an incumbent in Los Angeles in nearly 20 years
  • The race features two progressive candidates competing for the city's top position