Democratic Socialists threaten to withdraw endorsement of LA mayoral candidate unless she backs BDS against Israel

Leaders of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are threatening to withdraw their endorsement of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman unless she explicitly backs the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and opposes weapons shipments to Israel through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to Ynet News.

Raman, a DSA member and Los Angeles City Council member, is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. The organization, which also supported New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is pressing Raman to take a stronger stance against Israel.

On Monday, the DSA’s National Political Committee approved two resolutions that could lead to the withdrawal of its endorsement and, eventually, Raman’s expulsion from the organization. She has until Oct. 31 to clarify her position on several issues concerning Israel and the Palestinians. The demands include endorsing BDS, avoiding ties with organizations the DSA identifies as Zionist lobbying groups, and opposing the transfer of funds to Israel and organizations such as the Jewish National Fund. A further deadline would apply if Raman is elected: the DSA reportedly plans to initiate disciplinary proceedings by Jan. 1 if she has not expressed support for BDS and opposition to weapons shipments to Israel.

The dispute comes as the mayoral race has tightened. A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted with the Los Angeles Times found Raman and Bass tied at 40% support each, with 19% of likely voters still undecided. Just one month earlier, Raman had held an 11-point lead.

Bass has taken a different position on Israel. Speaking at a September forum with the city’s Jewish community, she rejected claims that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and said she would oppose any city legislation promoting a boycott of Israel. She also pledged to fight antisemitism and protect Jewish institutions.

Raman's position on Israel has shifted considerably since she first entered politics. In 2020, she stated, “I absolutely do not support BDS,” warning that the movement demonized Israel and the Jewish people. Following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 terror attack, Raman criticized a DSA statement that she said lacked empathy for the Israeli victims. Her relationship with the organization deteriorated further after its local chapter reprimanded her for accepting support from a pro-Israel Democratic group.

In recent years, Raman has become more critical of Israel. She supported calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and, in an interview with political commentator Hasan Piker, said she believed Israel was committing genocide. She repeated the accusation during a meeting with Jewish voters in late September, drawing criticism from the local Jewish Federation, which said her remarks crossed a red line.

Raman subsequently sought to reassure Jewish voters, saying she recognized Israel's right to exist and did not intend to make a boycott of Israel part of city policy. However, in a statement sent to the DSA this week, she expressed support for BDS as a form of political pressure.

“I believe the best way for working Angelenos to stand in solidarity with Gaza is through non-violent protest, legislative action, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS,” Raman said.

The DSA's national leadership has nevertheless demanded a clearer personal commitment to the boycott movement. The controversy has put some Jewish and Israeli voters in the Los Angeles area in a difficult position. While some are dissatisfied with Bass' record on city issues, they are also concerned about Raman's increasingly critical position toward Israel and the possibility that she could support a municipal BDS policy.

“She's our Mamdani,” a Jewish resident of Beverly Hills told Ynet News, comparing Raman to the New York City mayor.

“Voters in this city now have the pleasure of choosing between complete incompetence from Mayor Bass and political radicalism from her challenger Raman. Good luck to all of us,” the resident added.