Kerala-born Nithya Raman is leading incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the 2026 mayoral race after a fiery debate over homelessness, public safety and leadership. Raman has pledged better governance, with polls giving her an 11-point lead ahead of the November 3 election. Washington: Kerala-born Nithya Raman is maintaining a lead over her former political ally and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race after a fiery televised.