Nithya Raman’s Political Rise: Indian-Origin Leader Eyes Los Angeles Mayor’s Office

Who Is Nithya Raman? Kerala-Born Politician’s Journey From India to Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Nithya Raman is seeking to make history in Los Angeles, but she wants voters to judge her on her own political record rather than compare her with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The Kerala-born Los Angeles City Council member is facing incumbent Karen Bass in the November 3 mayoral runoff. Although both Raman and Mamdani have attracted attention as South Asian-origin politicians backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Raman says her political identity and priorities are distinct.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, she praised Mamdani’s communication skills and popularity but made it clear that she was not simply a West Coast version of the New York politician.

A Different Political Approach

Raman and Mamdani share several similarities. Both were born outside the United States into South Asian families, have DSA support and have used social media to expand their reach among voters. Their campaigns have also drawn strength from dissatisfaction with traditional political leadership.

However, Raman has built her mayoral pitch around Los Angeles-specific challenges, particularly the housing crisis, homelessness, infrastructure and the delivery of public services.

She has proposed tighter oversight of homelessness initiatives, improved accountability in city departments, stronger tenant protections and a long-term approach to infrastructure development.

Her approach has also involved disagreements with parts of the Left. Raman has supported changes to a voter-approved mansion tax amid concerns that the measure could discourage apartment construction.

Indian Roots and Academic Journey

Born in Kerala to a Tamil family, Raman moved to the United States at the age of six. She grew up in Louisiana and later lived in Massachusetts.

Her academic journey took her to Harvard University, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned a master’s degree in urban planning.

After completing her studies, Raman returned to India and founded Transparent Chennai, a research organisation focused on urban governance and civic challenges, including sanitation and environmental issues.

She relocated to Los Angeles with her husband in 2013 and gradually became involved in local initiatives addressing homelessness.

Activism That Led to Electoral Politics

Raman also co-founded the SELAH Neighbourhood Homeless Coalition, a community initiative that brought together local efforts to tackle homelessness.

Her frustration with the response to housing and shelter concerns in her neighbourhood eventually pushed her towards electoral politics. In 2020, she challenged the incumbent City Council representative and won the election.

She retained her position in 2024 despite facing a well-funded challenge, further establishing herself in Los Angeles politics.

A Historic Mayoral Contest

Raman’s campaign has gained momentum amid public dissatisfaction with the city’s administration. But the contest against Bass will ultimately test whether her record as a community organiser and council member can translate into citywide support.

The next mayor will also face the major task of preparing Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games, alongside addressing persistent problems involving housing, homelessness and public services.

A Raman victory would make her the first South Asian woman to become mayor of Los Angeles. For now, she is focused on presenting voters with a campaign shaped by her own experiences and vision for the city.