Los Angeles voters will get a direct look at the two mayoral contenders when incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman meet for a live, commercial‑free debate on Oct. 13. The one‑hour forum, organized by NBC4 and Telemundo 52, will run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and focus on the issues most pressing to the city: public safety, homelessness, housing affordability and economic development.
Local news outlets lead the effort
The debate is being staged in partnership with Loyola Marymount University and will be moderated by NBC4 News anchor Colleen Williams, chief political reporter Conan Nolan and Noticiero Telemundo 52 anchor Alejandra Ortiz. Todd Mokhtari, president and general manager of Telemundo 52 and NBC4, said, “Local journalism plays a critical role during election cycles. As leading local news organizations, we are committed to providing voters with information and access to the candidates seeking to lead the city.”
How to watch
In addition to the broadcast on NBC4 and Telemundo 52, the debate will stream live on nbcla.com, telemundo52.com, the free NBCLA and Telemundo 52 mobile apps, and the stations’ 24/7 local news streaming channels NBC Los Angeles News and Noticias Telemundo California. Those streams are available on Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Samsung TV Plus, ensuring broad access for Angelenos.
Election timeline
County elections officials will begin mailing vote‑by‑mail ballots to all registered voters no later than Oct. 5. Starting Oct. 6, ballot‑drop locations will open across the county. The final day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 19, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Why the debate matters
Mayor Bass secured a decisive win in the June primary, while Councilmember Raman finished second, setting up a high‑stakes runoff. The debate gives voters a chance to compare the incumbent’s record on public safety and economic growth with Raman’s proposals for addressing homelessness and expanding affordable housing. Both candidates have emphasized the need for community‑focused solutions that protect families and uphold constitutional freedoms.
Other ballot items
Angelenos will also decide on several ballot measures, the California governor’s race, and numerous state, county and local offices on Nov. 3. The mayoral contest remains the headline race, but the broader slate underscores the importance of informed voting across the region.
For more details on the debate schedule, voting deadlines and candidate positions, visit the NBC4 and Telemundo 52 websites or follow their social‑media channels.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
