Bass and Raman Clash in Final Debate Before LA Runoff

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman clashed over homelessness, policing and Bass’s response to the Palisades fire in a televised debate ahead of the November 3 mayoral runoff. The candidates, both Democrats and once political allies, argued over the city’s direction and who is prepared to lead it. The debate, held Tuesday, focused on homelessness, public safety, housing and the leadership of the Los Angeles Police Department. Raman called for replacing Police Chief Jim McDonnell, saying the department’s handling of federal immigration enforcement had damaged trust, particularly among immigrant communities. Bass warned that changing police leadership before the 2028 Olympics could disrupt the department. Raman said the mayor could not make the decision alone and would need agreement from the Police Commission and potentially the City Council; she did not set a timeline. The candidates also disputed Bass’s absence from Los Angeles when the Palisades fire began in January 2025. Raman said she was at the city’s emergency operations centre during the crisis and criticized the mayor for being away. Bass apologized during the debate for not being in the...