Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia Endorses Nithya Raman

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia has endorsed City Councilmember Nithya Raman in the city’s mayoral race, describing her as an independent leader committed to transparency, fiscal accountability and government accountability.

Mejia said he had warned in 2023 that the Los Angeles Police Department’s $1 billion labor contract would strain the city’s finances and contribute to a fiscal crisis. He argued that the city is now experiencing the consequences through reduced municipal services and said Raman was among the few elected officials who publicly opposed the agreement.

He said Raman has consistently supported greater oversight of public spending and would welcome independent scrutiny of city programs rather than resist it. Mejia also highlighted her refusal to accept corporate political action committee (PAC) contributions, saying it reflects her commitment to remaining independent of special interests.

Mejia noted that both he and Raman entered public office outside the traditional political establishment. He recalled Raman’s 2020 victory over an incumbent City Council member, calling it a sign that voters were willing to challenge the city’s political status quo.

The endorsement comes as Raman seeks to unseat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, with both candidates heading into the final months of a closely contested runoff ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election.