Bass, Raman spar over homelessness in heated LA mayoral debate

Two top candidates for Los Angeles mayor held their first debate since the primary election. Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman discussed issues including policing and homelessness, where they appear to have disagreed.

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National story. 10 articles from 8 sources. Updated Aug 20, 2026.

Part of The 2026 Los Angeles mayor's race: Karen Bass vs. Nithya Raman

How each side is putting it

Left

1 source
Los Angeles TimesLean Left· Aug 20, 2026

Arellano: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass lost last night's debate against Nithya Raman. Badly

Los Angeles TimesLean Left· Aug 20, 2026

Bass, Raman spar over policing, homelessness in first mayoral debate since June primary

Center

5 sources
KYMA YumaCenter· Aug 20, 2026

L.A. mayoral candidates participate in runoff debate

KTLA Los AngelesCenter· Aug 20, 2026

Bass, Raman spar over homelessness in heated LA mayoral debate

ABC 7 Los AngelesCenter· Aug 20, 2026

Bass and Raman clash over homelessness, policing in fiery LA mayoral debate

KESQ Palm SpringsCenter· Aug 20, 2026

Bass and Raman Clash Over Homelessness in First Mayoral Debate Ahead of Runoff

NBC Los AngelesLean Left· Aug 19, 2026

Bass, Raman to face off in first debate of mayoral runoff

Right

2 sources
Washington ExaminerRight· Aug 20, 2026

Bass and Raman clash over homelessness, public safety, and Hollywood in heated Los Angeles mayoral debate

New York PostLean Right· Aug 20, 2026

LA mayoral debate: Karen Bass, Nithya Raman both lose

New York PostLean Right· Aug 20, 2026

Outrage as Los Angeles voters shut out of mayoral debate livestream: ‘Insane’