Key facts
- Nithya Raman is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor.
- Raman is backed by YIMBY groups and progressive organizations.
- Bass has support from the Democratic Party establishment and Governor Gavin Newsom.
- The core disagreement is over how to accelerate housing supply and density.
- California Senate Bill 79 mandates increased housing near transit, overriding local zoning.
- Los Angeles has delayed full compliance with SB 79 until 2030.
In the race for Los Angeles mayor, City Councilmember Nithya Raman is challenging incumbent Karen Bass, with housing supply and zoning reform at the forefront of their campaigns. Raman, supported by YIMBY groups and progressive organizations, advocates for a more aggressive approach to building housing and faster permitting processes. She has proposed a 60-day permit shot clock for zoning-compliant projects.
Bass, who has the backing of the Democratic Party establishment and Governor Gavin Newsom, defends local zoning control against state mandates. She has implemented executive directives to expedite housing development but faces criticism for not going far enough.
The central point of contention is how to accelerate housing supply and rezone for greater density. California Senate Bill 79, a state law requiring cities to allow more housing near transit, has become a key issue. Los Angeles lawmakers, including Bass, have sought to delay its full implementation, voting to allow shorter buildings in some areas and postponing citywide compliance until 2030. Raman opposed this delay.