Nithya Raman, a 44-year-old democratic socialist born in Kerala, has emerged as a challenger in the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race. Often dubbed the “next Mamdani”, she emigrated to the United States at age six and represents a rising wave of progressive Indian-origin leaders in American politics.A graduate of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Raman built her career as an urban planner, according to a report by The Times of India. Before entering US politics, she worked with slum dwellers in India. After moving to Los Angeles, she co-founded the homeless coalition SELAH and later served as executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment, an organization focused on women’s rights within the #MeToo movement.In 2020, Raman made history as the first South Asian woman and first Asian American woman elected to the Los Angeles City Council. Her victory was a major upset, defeating a well-funded incumbent backed by establishment figures such as Hillary Clinton. She currently represents the city’s Fourth District.Raman is now challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass on a platform centred on housing affordability, transparency and reviving Hollywood as a global production hub.Despite previously endorsing Bass, Raman’s late entry into the race signals her belief that Los Angeles needs “big changes” to address a growing sense of crisis. Backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, she is mobilising a coalition of young and progressive voters, positioning herself as a candidate ready to tackle the city’s complex bureaucratic challenges.