Bass vs. Raman: A Lose-Lose for Los Angeles?

Incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman faced off Tuesday night in their only televised head-to-head debate before the November election, hoping to convince the city’s more than 3.8 million residents that they’re the right person for the job.

From homelessness to personal attacks and the devastating Palisades Fire, the two Democrats traded blows over who is responsible for the city’s troubles.

Since Spencer Pratt lost in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, many Angelenos have been left to choose between bad and worse. But which is which?

Here are the biggest moments from the hourlong showdown.

Homelessness: Bass Defends Her Record Despite Rising Numbers

Homelessness dominated Tuesday night’s debate, with Bass repeatedly defending her administration’s handling of one of the city’s most persistent crises despite making the issue the central promise of her mayoral campaign.

When asked why voters should trust her, Bass touted her record on the issue, saying she’s reduced homelessness by 11%. The latest numbers paint a different picture.

New data released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the agency responsible for coordinating homeless services across Los Angeles, found homelessness increased 3.3% in Los Angeles County and 7.9% in the city.

Bass Takes Personal Shots at Raman Over Her Committee Removal

Nithya Raman was removed as chair of the Los Angeles City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee earlier this year.

The controversy resurfaced during Tuesday’s debate when Bass questioned Raman’s leadership, alleging that Raman’s colleagues have a “very difficult time” working with her.

“They were relieved when you were removed because they don’t find you to be basically honest,” Bass said.

The mayor’s comments turned what began as a debate over city policy into a jab at Raman’s credibility and ability to lead.

Palisades Fire: Raman Confronts Bass Over Her Absence

Perhaps the greatest failure of Bass’s time in office was her administration’s response to the devastating January 2025 Palisades Fire.

Raman brought the sore subject back to the debate stage, criticizing Bass for being out of the country when the fire erupted.

“If there is another emergency, you will not have to ask, if I am mayor, where our mayor is. I will be on the front lines,” Raman said.

ICE Enforcement: Raman Wants LA’s Police Chief Gone

Raman said she would seek to remove Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, whom Bass appointed in 2024, arguing that he has failed to “meet the moment.”

“I believe he’s lost the trust of Angelenos, especially in response to the [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] raids,” Raman said, criticizing the LAPD’s response to federal immigration enforcement operations in the city.

Bass hit back, saying, “You have no idea what it takes to identify a police chief,” warning that replacing McDonnell could destabilize the department as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games in less than two years.

Bass raised concerns about the potential terrorist threats surrounding the Olympics, arguing that the city needs experienced law enforcement leadership ahead of the international event.