Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman wins Los Angeles mayor race, alarming some Jewish voters over Israel stance

The Democratic Socialist candidate, Nithya Raman, defeated incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass by a narrow margin of 52.1% to 47.9% in Tuesday's mayoral election in California.

Raman, who was born in India and has been compared to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, won with the backing of the influential Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has taken anti-Israel positions. Initially trailing Bass, Raman eventually secured victory by nearly 35,000 votes in Los Angeles, home to the second-largest Jewish community in the United States.

Many local Jewish voters have expressed concern over Raman's accusations that Israel committed “genocide” and “apartheid,” as well as her support for boycotts against Israel.

"It is an enormous honor to be your next mayor," Raman said following her electoral victory, adding that her opponent Bass had "dedicated decades of her life to the city."

Until recently, Raman sought to balance her DSA affiliations with condemnations of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack and commitments to combating antisemitism. She also initially opposed the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

However, her position on BDS reportedly became a source of tension with the DSA last week, when the organization's national committee threatened to withdraw the endorsement for Raman shortly before the election. On Nov. 2, the committee narrowly voted 14-13 against rescinding the endorsement.

While Mayor Bass has rejected the BDS movement, vowed to combat antisemitism and rejected accusations that Israel had committed “genocide” in Gaza, she has also faced criticism from residents because of the city's growing socioeconomic problems. Los Angeles faces multiple challenges, including soaring housing prices, rising homelessness and crime.

Raman had already faced criticism from Jewish community members over her position on BDS. During a September meeting with hundreds of local Jewish voters, she faced a backlash after describing the movement as a "legitimate form of nonviolent protest.”

The Los Angeles Jewish Federation (JFEDLA) also criticized Raman, arguing that her anti-Israel remarks had crossed a red line. At the time, Raman attempted to reassure Jewish voters, saying that she recognized Israel's right to exist and had no intention of promoting BDS as mayor. She also pledged to combat rising antisemitism in Los Angeles.

However, the local Jewish community reportedly remains divided over the incoming mayor, with one Jewish resident from Beverly Hills even comparing Raman to NYC Mayor Mamdani.

Rabbi Noah Farkas, JFEDLA president and CEO, said Raman's remarks about Israel had undermined the trust of many Jewish community members. Nevertheless, Farkas said the federation will cooperate with the incoming mayor and expects her to protect local Jewish and Israeli residents.

Meanwhile, some liberal Jewish community organizers have expressed confidence in Raman. They point to her visits to synagogues during Yom Kippur and Shabbat services as indications of her commitment to the Jewish community's safety.

Many Jewish residents believe Raman's first test will be her ability to confront antisemitism and protect religious institutions in America's second-largest city.