Democratic Socialist Overcomes GOP-Funded Opponent to Advance in Los Angeles Mayor Race

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, advanced to the general election against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass after defeating right-wing reality TV star Spencer Pratt in the open primary. The nonpartisan primary system led to a runoff between two Democrats, with Raman overcoming an initial lead by Pratt, who received conservative funding. The left faces internal divisions over strategies to counter Pratt and repair fractures ahead of the November election.