Bass, Raman Face Off in Los Angeles Mayoral Race
Los Angeles voters decide the mayoral contest and two ballot measures on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Elections
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Incumbent Karen Bass and 4th District Councilmember Nithya Raman face each other in the Los Angeles mayoral race on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters will also decide Measure TE on exempting Palisades Fire-damaged properties from the mansion tax.
Why it matters
A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and Los Angeles Times poll found Bass and Raman tied among likely voters at 40 percent each, leaving the race close. The outcome will shape how the city handles the mansion tax and rebuilding in areas hit by the Palisades Fire, including Pacific Palisades and Malibu.
A UC Berkeley and Los Angeles Times poll put Bass and Raman level at 40 percent each among likely voters. Measure TE would exempt residential properties damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire from the mansion tax if sold within five years, and Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5 percent tax on assets above $1 billion.
The players
Karen Bass
Karen Bass is the incumbent mayor of Los Angeles seeking reelection in the 2026 contest.
Nithya Raman
Nithya Raman is the 4th District Los Angeles City Councilmember challenging Bass for mayor.
Rick Caruso
Rick Caruso is a Los Angeles real estate developer and former mayoral candidate who confirmed he will vote for Bass.
The details
Raman's initial efforts to carve out new commercial and multifamily development from the mansion tax were significantly watered down before reaching the ballot. Rick Caruso confirmed he will vote for Bass, and he called Raman's comments about firing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reckless and dangerous.
Timeline
2024: Sellers were still pricing homes as though the market remained in 2024, according to Westside Estate Agency co-founder Stephen Shapiro.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Los Angeles voters decide the mayoral race, Measure TE, and Proposition 40.
Political Context
Opponents of Raman's mansion tax carveouts argued the measure should not be weakened, while supporters of Bass point to Caruso's endorsement as a signal of establishment backing. The watered-down carveouts for commercial and multifamily development show how the tax was reshaped before reaching voters.
If Measure TE passes, owners of Palisades Fire-damaged homes who sell within five years would avoid the mansion tax on those properties. Prospective sellers should note that local pricing has lagged the current market, according to Westside Estate Agency.
The takeaway
Election results on Tuesday will determine both who leads Los Angeles and how the mansion tax applies to fire-damaged property. Voters should review the measure language before the polls close.
What happens next
Voters will decide the mayoral race, Measure TE, and Proposition 40 on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For background on how Los Angeles voters have shaped recent city races, see Elections coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Real Deal New York.
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Do you support a one-time 5 percent tax on billionaires' assets?
