Los Angeles mayoral race narrows to Bass, Raman with Pratt loss

[applegrove]

Los Angeles mayoral race narrows to Bass, Raman with Pratt loss

by Julia Mueller - 06/07/26 8:09 PM ET

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5905647-bass-raman-faceoff-november/

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) and Democrat Nithya Raman are projected to face off to lead the country’s second largest city this November, according to Decision Desk HQ.

With 87 percent of votes in, Bass is at 34.68 percent, and Raman is at 27.12 percent, according to Decision Desk HQ.

The June 2 results put Bass, a progressive who defeated wealthy Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso in the 2022 mayoral race, on track to win a second term. But she’s faced a tough challenge from Raman, a councilmember for LA’s District 4, amid criticism over the incumbent’s first term in office.

The pair defeated Republican reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who was at 26.69 percent of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ, and Democratic tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, among others. A UC Berkeley-LA Times poll from late May found Bass just one point ahead of Raman, and four points ahead of Pratt.

[Fiendish Thingy]

1. With such a narrow margin, couldn't Pratt demand a recount?

In some states recounts are automatic with such thin margins.

[FHRRK1]

2. Her lead will continue to grow

Likely by 30% of the gap she has made up since Tuesday.

[Brother Buzz]

3. On his nickel

California law does not provide for automatic recounts.

Any voter may request a recount in a race within a specific timeframe, regardless of the margin. The requester is responsible for the costs unless the recount changes the outcome of the election in their favor. California courts, election officials and the governor can all also order recounts under certain circumstances.

[Retrograde]

4. Will someone please remind these pundits

that ballots are still coming in? Mail-in ballots are accepted (if they're postmarked by 8PM on June 2) up to 7 days after the election, so there may still be outstanding ballots, not to mention uncounted ones that the LA county clerk is dealing with. It ain't over until the election is certified - the primary election for representative in CA-16 in 2024 came down to a difference of 1 vote for the second slot.

I'd like to see Pratt trounced, but I also want to see Karen Bass win a second term, and I think that will be easier with a GOP stooge as opponent.

[David__77]

5. The late counted ballots trend left. It's good that he's in third place.