Los Angeles: The political journey of Malayali Nithya Raman, who has become a notable presence in American politics, is a matter of pride for Kerala as well. With family roots in Thrissur, Nithya Raman is an Indian-origin political leader holding an important position in the governance of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States. She has gained attention through her stances on issues such as the city’s housing crisis, rehousing of homeless people, social justice, and environmental protection.
In the mayoral election held on November 3, 2026, 45-year-old Nithya Raman made history by defeating incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Nithya Raman is the 44th mayor of Los Angeles and is the city's first South Asian and first Asian American mayor. It has been over twenty years since a sitting mayor of Los Angeles lost re-election. Therefore, Nithya Raman’s victory is being regarded not only as a personal political achievement but also as an indication of political change in the city.
The primary reason for Nithya Raman’s success was the support of voters demanding a new approach to urban governance. Key issues during the campaign included rising housing prices, difficulties faced by renters, rehousing of people living on the streets, public transportation facilities, and city safety.
Nithya Raman’s father, Venkittaraman, was an employee at Keltron, and her mother, Sudha, was an officer at Indian Overseas Bank. The family lived in Thiruvananthapuram Pattath and on Ramaswami Kovil Road before moving to Thrissur, which is Sudha's hometown. Nithya Raman was born in Thrissur. She received her primary education at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
When her father moved to the United States for higher studies, the family emigrated to America when Nithya was six years old. They then settled in Boston, where she grew up. After establishing permanent residence in the U.S., the family maintained strong ties with Kerala, making efforts to visit relatives and preserve their cultural heritage, according to family members.
She graduated from Harvard University in 2003 with a degree in Social Studies and obtained a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2008. Her academic focus on urban development provided the foundation for her public work and political views. Her attention has been on issues such as unequal distribution of urban infrastructure, housing problems, and availability of public services.
After completing her studies, Nithya returned to India and actively engaged in addressing urban challenges in Chennai. At age 23, she founded the volunteer organization “Transparent Chennai,” which marked a significant turning point in her public service career. The organization focused on city sanitation problems, inadequate infrastructure, and the everyday difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
In 2013, after relocating to Los Angeles, she led local initiatives to tackle homelessness. This close experience with the daily problems of city residents paved the way for her entry into electoral politics.
In 2020, Nithya Raman contested and won a seat on the Los Angeles City Council, defeating an incumbent who had served for a long time. This was regarded as a significant victory against established political powers. She represented the Fourth District, becoming the first Asian American woman and the first South Asian to hold the position. She also chaired the council committee responsible for housing and homelessness, participating in legislation concerning renters’ rights, rent control measures, and securing housing for the homeless. These efforts contributed to her reputation as a political leader with a clear stance on the city’s housing crisis.
Nithya Raman’s candidacy for mayor was a surprising move within Los Angeles political circles. Although she had previously supported Karen Bass, she later took a position advocating change in city governance. She announced her candidacy shortly before the February 2026 deadline for filing.
The city government's response to the devastating wildfires in January 2025 was a major topic in the campaign. The Palisades and Eaton fires resulted in 31 deaths and destroyed over 16,000 buildings. Criticism of Karen Bass’s administration for perceived failures in managing these crises was prominent during the campaign.
The housing crisis is expected to remain the central issue during Nithya Raman’s administration. According to 2025 data, approximately 44,000 people in Los Angeles were homeless, of whom about 27,000 were without access to permanent shelters. Campaign pledges included providing affordable housing for low-income families, improving the city's public transportation system, protecting parks and public spaces, and ensuring urban safety.
Nithya Raman’s background in urban planning and her experience in social activism will be the key factors in evaluating the effectiveness of her governance in addressing these issues.
Beyond politics and social activism, Nithya Raman has an interest in Indian classical dance. During her time in India, she studied Bharatanatyam under the renowned dancer Leela Samson. Relatives say she has continued her passion for dance after returning to the United States.
Her husband is Vali Chandrasekharan. They have two children named Karn and Kaavya.
Nithya Raman’s ascent to the mayoralty of a major city like Los Angeles marks a significant advance in the political representation of Indian Americans in the United States. Especially noteworthy is the historic significance of a woman with South Indian roots assuming this position.
Born into an immigrant family, educated in the United States, involved in social activism in India, and later rising to a high-ranking position in American municipal politics, Nithya Raman’s life journey connects experiences from both countries. Her growth from childhood in Thrissur to civic leadership in Los Angeles is a source of pride for Kerala and the global Malayali diaspora.
n
Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
