Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November 2026 election, gave a measured response when pressed on her views of capitalism during a CNN interview.

Raman avoided a direct yes or no when asked if she identifies as a capitalist. “We are in a capitalist system,” she said.

“It’s the city government. The role is the mayor of Los Angeles. You operate within this context. And I’ll do whatever it takes in order to deliver for my residents.”

She shifted focus to housing, calling for faster construction and stronger renter protections to address affordability in the city.

The exchange occurred after CNN anchor Elex Michaelson cited a California Post op-ed that described Raman as the “California expression of the same radical socialism” associated with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Raman rejected the framing.

“People here in this city are not caught up about political world views or ideologies,” she said. “They want this city to work for them.”

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Raman defended her Democratic Socialist affiliation by pointing to tenant rights advocacy. She said the socialist branch was one of the few places in Los Angeles where those issues received serious attention.

She also criticized the broader Democratic Party establishment, including Bass, for what she called pay-to-play politics.

Housing Remains Central Issue in Campaign

Raman used much of the interview to discuss Los Angeles’ housing shortage. She pledged to implement any necessary policies to increase supply and protect renters.

“I will do anything it takes and put into place any policy that we need to in order to make sure that Los Angeles is more affordable, more ambitious, more functional city for its residents,” she stated.

Her platform centers on practical governance. “I don’t think there is particularly a Democratic Socialist way or a Democratic Party way of fixing a street light or fixing a pothole,” Raman said.

DSA Split Emerges Over Endorsements

Raman’s socialist credentials have not secured full support from local Democratic Socialists of America chapters. Several DSA-aligned council members from districts that form the group’s geographic base have instead endorsed Mayor Karen Bass.

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Raman is attempting to position herself as focused on results over labels. However, the comparisons to Mamdani continue to surface in coverage of the race.

Mamdani’s tenure in New York has drawn both praise from the left and criticism from moderates over housing and public safety policies.

The contest between Raman and Bass tests how far left-leaning candidates can advance in a major California city. Bass, a longtime Democrat with establishment ties, faces pressure from the left but retains significant institutional support.