Nithya Raman holds a significant lead over Mayor Karen Bass in a recent poll, but a substantial portion of Los Angeles voters remain undecided ahead of the upcoming election.
LOS ANGELES, CA – A recent poll conducted by the University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times, reveals that Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman is leading Mayor Karen Bass by a margin of 39% to 28% among likely voters.
The survey, which took place from September 15 to 20 and included 2,150 respondents, indicates that 33% of likely voters are still undecided. The margin of error for the poll is 3 percentage points.
Mark DiCamillo, the poll director, noted that while Raman “clearly has the advantage,” the significant number of undecided voters suggests that the race remains fluid and could change as the election approaches.
Raman, who finished second to Bass in the June nonpartisan primary, had previously trailed the mayor in earlier polling. This latest survey shows Raman leading Bass in nearly all areas of the city. In the San Fernando Valley, Raman garnered 34% support compared to Bass’s 26%, with 40% of voters undecided. On the Westside, Raman led with 35% to Bass’s 34%.
The poll also highlights a notable age gap in support for the candidates. Among voters aged 18 to 29, Raman leads Bass by an overwhelming 66% to 4%. The support for Raman remains strong among voters aged 30 to 39, where she leads 64% to 12%. Among those aged 40 to 49, Raman holds a 50% to 18% advantage. However, the race tightens among voters aged 50 to 64, with Raman at 35% and Bass at 33%.
In terms of approval ratings, Bass faces a disapproval rating of 63%, with only 28% of respondents approving of her job performance and 9% expressing no opinion. In contrast, Raman has a favorable rating of 40%, with 39% unfavorable and 21% undecided.
DiCamillo attributed the large undecided bloc in part to voters who supported former reality television star Spencer Pratt in the primary. Pratt received approximately 217,000 votes, or 26% of the primary vote. Among those Pratt voters who have since chosen a candidate, 22% support Bass while 16% back Raman.
Throughout the summer, Raman has been vocal in her criticism of Bass’s record, particularly regarding the handling of homelessness and the city’s response to major fires. She has also secured endorsements from various labor groups, including Unite Here Local 11 and the Democratic Socialists of America.
In response to the poll results, Raman stated, “We are taking nothing, not a single vote, for granted. So to every Angeleno who is still deciding, my ask is simple: Take a look at our campaign, and give me the opportunity to earn your vote.”
As the election date approaches, mail-in ballots for the November 3 election will begin to be distributed on October 1.
According to Los Angeles Times, the dynamics of the race could shift as candidates continue to engage with voters and address their concerns.