With five weeks remaining before Los Angeles’s Nov. 3 mayoral election, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman sought to win over a substantial number of undecided voters following a recent poll indicating a competitive race. Both Democrats appeared at a candidate forum in the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday, marking their first major joint event since a Berkeley IGS/Los Angeles Times survey showed Raman significantly leading Bass.

The poll, conducted two weeks ago, placed Raman, 45, at 39 percent support against 28 percent for the 72-year-old Bass, with a notable share of younger voters backing the challenger. However, nearly one-third of likely voters remained undecided, underscoring the volatility of the race as ballots are set to be mailed on Oct. 1. Bass’s campaign dismissed the poll as an "outlier."

Acknowledging the high number of undecided voters, Raman emphasized her understanding of widespread frustration and distrust in local government, framing herself as a candidate in tune with residents’ concerns. Bass also addressed these voters, recognizing the public’s dissatisfaction with issues such as housing affordability and public safety.

Political consultant Paul Mitchell noted that voter uncertainty reflects broader discontent and could prove decisive, particularly if undecided or disengaged voters choose not to participate in the election. “The deciding vote in this mayor’s race could be the people who decide not to vote,” he said.

During the forum, hosted by the Jewish Federation Los Angeles and other community organizations, both candidates pledged to combat antisemitism. Bass reaffirmed her commitment to protecting the Jewish community as she concluded her remarks.

Bass has faced challenges since January 2025, when her approval ratings took a hit after wildfires devastated parts of Southern California while she was abroad. Although crime rates have declined, homelessness is decreasing for the first time in years, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics are underway, lingering voter dissatisfaction remains. Many residents of the Pacific Palisades, where fires resulted in 12 deaths and widespread destruction, continue to blame Bass for her absence during the crisis. Additionally, a prolonged cleanup of an industrial fire in East Los Angeles this summer stirred community frustration due to persistent unpleasant odors.

Raman, a city councilwoman who joined the mayoral race in February after initially endorsing Bass, has positioned herself as an alternative progressive candidate with less political baggage. With academic credentials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, and known for her support from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Raman has centered her campaign on affordability, infrastructure, and tackling everyday urban issues like streetlights and potholes.

While her DSA endorsement has energized younger and progressive voters, it has also raised concerns among key constituencies, including Jewish voters wary of the group’s pro-Palestinian activism and criticism of Israel. Bass’s campaign highlighted Raman’s recent appearance on a livestream hosted by far-left commentator Hasan Piker, seeking to draw attention to these associations.

Raman’s political profile is comparatively lower than Bass’s extensive public service record, which includes roles as community organizer, legislator, congresswoman, and mayor dating back to the 1990s. In the primary election, Raman narrowly secured second place behind Bass, edging out Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, a reality TV figure who captured about 25 percent of the vote. It remains uncertain how Pratt’s supporters will vote in the general election, with Pratt himself encouraging his followers to abstain from the mayoral contest.