Los Angeles Election Results: Populist Insurgents Challenge the Establishment

Early returns from the Los Angeles elections suggest a significant retreat for the city’s political establishment. Voters appear to be shifting their support toward populist insurgents from both the left and the right, signaling a widespread desire for dramatic change within City Hall.

Mayoral Race Heads Toward Runoff

Mayor Karen Bass maintains a lead in her bid for a second term and has been declared by the Associated Press to have advanced to the November runoff. However, the level of support she received has been described as underwhelming for a Democratic stalwart in a “super-blue” city.

Republican reality TV star Spencer Pratt secured second place, positioning himself for a potential runoff against Bass. Pratt campaigned on a platform of anger, targeting nonprofits, homeless individuals—whom he referred to as “zombies”—and Democratic pieties.

Democratic Socialist City Councilmember Nithya Raman finished the night in third place. Despite her message of change, voters did not view her as a sufficient challenge to the status quo, and her platform did not radically depart from that of Mayor Bass.

The Ascent of DSA-LA

The local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) demonstrated significant “king-making” status during this election cycle. Four of the six DSA-endorsed candidates are currently in first place by large margins, while another is comfortably in second.

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez and L.A. Unified school board member Rocío Rivas appear to be coasting to outright victories. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez remains ahead of the field despite facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in negative mailers from dark money groups.

In a strategic move, the DSA declined to endorse Nithya Raman or any other mayoral candidate. This lack of backing may have contributed to the poor performance of Raman and fellow DSA member Rae Huang in the mayoral race.

Centrist Holdouts and Political Volatility

Despite the populist surge, some centrist Democrats remain secure. Two incumbent council members are on track for easy victories, and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez is walking into a third term without opposition.

In the San Fernando Valley, centrists Timothy Gaspar and Barri Worth Girvan hold a substantial lead for the seat being vacated by Bob Blumenfield. This indicates that while anti-establishment feelings are prevalent, they have not completely displaced traditional centrist politics.

What May Happen Next

If current results hold, Mayor Karen Bass could face Spencer Pratt in a general election this November. This matchup may force a confrontation between the city’s Democratic establishment and a populist Republican movement.

The successful DSA candidates may seek to further institutionalize their influence within City Hall. However, political trends in Los Angeles may wax and wane, meaning the current appetite for radical change could shift before the final votes are cast in November.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is likely to face Mayor Karen Bass in the November runoff?
Based on early returns, Republican Spencer Pratt is in second place and would face Bass if the current results hold.

How did the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) perform in the city elections?
The DSA saw strong success, with four of their six endorsed candidates in first place and another in second, reflecting a multicultural, citywide reach.

Why did Nithya Raman fail to make the mayoral runoff?
Raman finished third, likely due to muddled messaging, a platform that did not radically differ from the incumbent’s, and a lack of endorsement from the DSA.