Raman Advances to Los Angeles Mayoral Runoff as Late Ballots Shift the Race

After days of slow counting and shifting margins, Raman secured a place in the November runoff for Los Angeles mayor, overtaking reality television personality Spencer Pratt as late arriving ballots continued to reshape the race. Updated tallies from election officials showed a steady climb for Raman as the final waves of mail ballots were processed, pushing her into second place behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

The result sets up a runoff between two Democrats who represent different visions for a city still struggling with homelessness, rising housing costs, and deep frustration over the pace of change. Bass is seeking a second term, while Raman has positioned herself as a progressive challenger with a sharply different approach to housing and public services.

Raman Gains Ground as Late Ballots Break Her Way

Raman trailed Pratt on election night, a familiar pattern in California where early returns often reflect older and more conservative voters. But as Los Angeles processed ballots in the order they were received, the later batches favored Bass and Raman. Pratt, a Republican, steadily lost ground.

By Monday morning, Raman had moved into second place. The Associated Press estimated that about 92 percent of ballots had been counted when she secured her spot in the runoff. California law allows mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive up to seven days later, a system that often produces dramatic shifts in close races.

The trend held true again. Democratic voters, who tend to return ballots later, helped reshape the field in the final days of counting.

A Progressive Challenger With a Clear Message

Raman entered the race late after previously endorsing Bass. Her campaign has focused on housing affordability, tenant protections, and a push to move Los Angeles further left on homelessness policy. She was elected to the City Council with support from the Democratic Socialists of America, and she has built her political identity around challenging what she describes as entrenched interests at City Hall.

“If you are as frustrated by the broken status quo as I am, I hope you will join our movement to build a city that works for everyone,” Raman said after advancing to the runoff. She argued that powerful interests have shaped city policy for too long, leaving working families to absorb rising rents and declining services.

Her candidacy also carries symbolic weight. Bass is the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Los Angeles, and Raman could become the first South Asian woman to hold the office.

Bass Prepares for a Direct Contrast

Bass, a former member of Congress, has spent her first term confronting homelessness, economic strain, and the political fallout from a series of crises. She told supporters she intends to continue serving the city she loves as she heads into a runoff that will test her leadership record.

Her campaign signaled it is prepared for a sharper contrast with Raman. Bass spokesperson Alex Stack said the mayor “looks forward to winning a contest against an opponent who allows encampments near schools and fights against hiring more cops, yet is MIA on saving Hollywood jobs and fighting back when ICE invades LA.” The statement previewed a campaign likely to focus on public safety, neighborhood stability, and the city’s economic future.

Pratt Falls Behind After Early Lead

Pratt, known for his role on “The Hills,” drew national attention for his outsider bid and his willingness to challenge Los Angeles’ Democratic establishment. On election night, he held a narrow lead over Raman. But the late counted ballots steadily erased his advantage.

He told supporters, “We cannot give up on LA. We have to fight,” as he attempted to rally momentum. But the numbers never swung back in his favor. By the time the Associated Press projected Raman as the second runoff candidate, Pratt trailed by roughly 3,100 votes.

A City Searching for Direction

The November runoff between Bass and Raman will test the political identity of a city of nearly 4 million people. Both candidates are Democrats, but they offer different approaches to the city’s most urgent challenges.

Bass has emphasized experience, institutional relationships, and steady leadership. Raman has presented herself as a reformer willing to challenge long standing systems and push for more aggressive action on housing and inequality.

The race unfolds amid widespread frustration. Residents face rising rents and a homelessness crisis that has defied years of policy attempts. Many voters say they want change, but they disagree sharply on what that change should look like.