Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles City Councilmember, will advance to the runoff election for Los Angeles mayor, facing incumbent Karen Bass, according to NBC News projections. With over 92% of the votes counted, Raman secured more than 28% of the votes, surpassing Spencer Pratt.

Raman’s Campaign Platform

Raman has made homelessness one of her key campaign platforms, pledging to reduce street homelessness by at least 50% by the 2028 Olympics and eliminate long-term encampments. She has also boasted about reducing homelessness in her district, Council District 4.

Mayor Bass has countered that the reduction in Raman’s district is due to her Inside Safe program. Raman has announced her plans to build a city that works for everyone, criticizing the current system for prioritizing powerful interests over working people.

Reaction from Candidates

After NBC News released its projection, Raman shared a statement expressing her honor for the opportunity to advance to the general election. Bass’s reelection campaign also released a statement, with campaign strategist Douglas Herman saying that Mayor Bass looks forward to winning the campaign against Raman.

Raman announced her candidacy on February 7, just hours before the deadline to file paperwork. She had previously endorsed Bass for reelection but decided to run due to her frustration with the city’s delivery of basic services.

The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office will certify the final results of the June 2 mayor’s race by June 26, with daily vote updates throughout the week.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.