LA Mayoral Debate Canceled After Karen Bass, Nithya Raman Withdraw

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – A televised mayoral debate scheduled for May 13 has been canceled after Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman withdrew from the event. The cancellation drew criticism from remaining candidates and raised concerns among civic groups regarding voter access ahead of the June 2 primary.

Organized by the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs and the League of Women Voters of Greater Los Angeles, the forum was set to air live on Fox 11. Organizers announced the decision on May 11, stating the event was no longer viable after Raman withdrew following the Mayor’s earlier exit. Raman’s campaign said she had agreed to participate in order to debate the incumbent mayor.

In a joint statement, the organizers explained that with only two candidates remaining, the partnership agreed not to proceed.

The Bass campaign defended the Mayor’s absence, stating she would be in Sacramento seeking state funding for housing and fire recovery.

Raman’s campaign said it was disappointed by Bass’s withdrawal but remained open to future debates. Meanwhile, all the other candidates were critical of Bass and Raman for derailing the debate.