Raman Led Bass in Los Angeles Mayoral Poll
A new survey shows Nithya Raman with an eleven-point lead over Karen Bass in the upcoming mayoral election.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
In the upcoming mayoral election, would you support a challenger over an established incumbent?
Nithya Raman has captured 39 percent support in a recent poll of Los Angeles voters, placing her ahead of Karen Bass, who registered at 28 percent. Roughly one-third of likely voters remain undecided as the campaign moves toward the November election.
Why it matters
The survey results highlight a significant struggle for Karen Bass, who faces a 63 percent unfavorable rating among potential voters. With 33 percent of the electorate undecided, the race remains competitive despite the current polling gap.
The survey polled 2,150 likely voters and carries a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points. Current data shows Nithya Raman with a 40 percent favorability rating, contrasting sharply with the 63 percent unfavorable rating for Karen Bass.
The players
Nithya Raman
She is a candidate for the Los Angeles mayoral election currently polling at 39 percent.
Karen Bass
She is a candidate for the Los Angeles mayoral election currently polling at 28 percent.
Spencer Pratt
He is a political figure whose supporters from the primary election are currently largely undecided.
University of California Berkeley Institute of Government Studies
This institution conducted the survey regarding the Los Angeles mayoral race.
The details
Researchers conducted the online survey between September 15 and September 20 to gauge voter sentiment ahead of the general election. The data indicates that 63 percent of voters who supported Spencer Pratt in the primary election have yet to commit to a candidate.
Timeline
The primary election took place in June 2026.
The survey was conducted from September 15 to September 20, 2026.
Poll results were released on September 23, 2026.
Mail-in ballots are scheduled for distribution in early October 2026.
The general election is set for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Supporters of candidates who did not make the general election, specifically the bloc backing Spencer Pratt, represent a critical target for both campaigns. The current polling indicates that the general election serves as a direct extension of the voting patterns observed during the 2026 Los Angeles primary election.
Residents should expect increased campaign outreach and advertising as both candidates attempt to capture the remaining 33 percent of undecided voters. The results of this election will determine city leadership and policy direction for the coming term.
The takeaway
Voters should monitor the upcoming distribution of mail-in ballots as a signal for the final phase of the campaign. The high percentage of undecided voters suggests the outcome could shift significantly before Election Day.
What happens next
Mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent out to Los Angeles voters in early October, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming contest, visit our Elections coverage page.
Live Poll
In the upcoming mayoral election, would you support a challenger over an established incumbent?
