A few months ago, Nithya Raman’s political future looked uncertain. Today, the 45-year-old Indian-origin politician is preparing to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, America’s second-largest city.

Her victory over incumbent mayor Karen Bass is one of the biggest political surprises of the 2026 US elections.

In the June primary, Raman initially appeared to be struggling against Bass and reality television personality Spencer Pratt. However, late-counted ballots helped her secure second place and enter the November runoff.

Even then, few expected her to defeat Bass, a veteran politician with decades of experience and the support of prominent Democratic leaders, including Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

But Raman managed to turn the contest around.

In the November 3 election, she secured 52.1% of the vote against Bass’s 47.9%, according to the latest available count. Bass conceded defeat on November 5, clearing the way for Raman to become the next mayor.

For Raman, it has been a remarkable political comeback.

Her campaign focused on the growing problems facing Los Angeles, particularly expensive housing, homelessness, poor public services and dissatisfaction with the city administration.

Bass also faced criticism over her handling of the devastating January 2025 wildfires and the subsequent recovery efforts.

Raman, an urban planner by training, presented herself as a candidate who could bring practical solutions to these problems.

She promised affordable housing, improved public services and greater accountability in city administration.

Her message found support, particularly among younger and progressive voters.

Interestingly, Raman had previously supported Bass. But she eventually challenged her former political ally, arguing that Los Angeles needed a different approach.

Her victory has significance beyond the city.

Raman is associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a progressive political movement that has been gaining influence within American politics.

With Zohran Mamdani already serving as mayor of New York City, Indian-origin politicians associated with democratic socialism are now set to lead America’s two largest cities.

The coincidence has attracted considerable attention, particularly in India.

Raman’s father, Venkit Raman, is an IIT graduate, while her husband, Vali Chandrasekaran, is a television writer and producer known for his work on popular shows such as 30 Rock and Modern Family.

Her rise also adds another chapter to the long history of Indians engaging with progressive and socialist movements in America.

During the early 20th century, Indian thinkers and political leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, M N Roy, B R Ambedkar and Jayaprakash Narayan spent time in the United States, where they encountered different political and social ideas.

In more recent times, Indian-origin activist Kshama Sawant made headlines when she won a seat on the Seattle City Council in 2013.

Sawant, a socialist politician born in Pune and raised in Mumbai, campaigned strongly for higher minimum wages, rent control and greater taxation of wealthy individuals.

Her election demonstrated that openly socialist candidates could win public support in major American cities.

The movement gained further national attention through Bernie Sanders, whose presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020 brought democratic socialism into mainstream political debate.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s election to Congress in 2018 provided another boost.

Mamdani’s victory in New York in 2025 marked a major breakthrough, with his campaign focusing on affordable housing, public transport and childcare.

The latest elections have strengthened this political trend.

Apart from Raman in Los Angeles, politicians associated with democratic socialism have also won important races in cities such as Washington, DC, and Seattle.

Several DSA-backed candidates have also secured seats in the US House of Representatives, indicating the movement’s growing influence beyond local politics.

However, electoral success is only the beginning.

Running cities such as Los Angeles and New York presents enormous challenges. Affordable housing, homelessness, transport, public safety and financial management require practical solutions, not just campaign promises.

Raman will now have to prove that her approach can deliver results for Los Angeles residents.

Her victory is also a warning sign for the Democratic Party establishment, as progressive challengers are increasingly willing to take on experienced leaders from within their own party.

For now, Raman’s remarkable journey from an uncertain primary contest to the mayor’s office has become one of the most talked-about stories of the US midterm elections.

With Nithya Raman in Los Angeles and Zohran Mamdani in New York, Indian-origin politicians are playing an increasingly prominent role in America’s changing urban political landscape.

The real test for both leaders will be whether they can turn their ambitious promises into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.