An unexpected turn of events has unfolded in the LA mayoral election, which is being closely watched as a major test for the radical-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Following an ultra-tight race, DSA-affiliated LA City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has pulled ahead of incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who is seeking re-election.
In the midterm elections held on the 3rd, Raman secured 51.1% (377,458 votes) based on a 63% vote count as of 10 AM on the 4th, narrowly edging out Mayor Bass, who received 48.9%. While Mayor Bass was leading when about half of the votes were counted the previous day, the standings flipped as the counting progressed.
In the California gubernatorial race, Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra secured an early victory, once again reaffirming the strong Democratic political landscape in California.
Becerra garnered 64% (4,982,430 votes) based on a 59% vote count, leaving Republican candidate Steve Hilton far behind at 36%.
Hilton, who sparked a major buzz in the primary, aimed to recapture the governor’s seat for the Republican Party for the first time in 15 years since former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in January 2011. However, he failed to sway the voters in the Democratic-leaning state.
In California’s 26th State Senate district, which includes Koreatown, Democratic candidate Sara Hernandez won 57% of the vote. She secured a comfortable lead of over 10 percentage points against fellow Democrat Sandra Rascon, who received 43%, making her victory likely.
In the 54th State Assembly district, known for its pro-Korea ties, incumbent Mark Gonzalez secured an early victory with 81% of the vote.
In the LA City Attorney race, John McKinney, who received backing from the Korean-American community, managed only 33.9% of the vote, trailing far behind Marisa Roy, who led with 66.1%.
In California’s 34th U.S. Congressional District, incumbent Jimmy Gomez, who became embroiled in a sexual misconduct controversy ahead of the midterms, lost his seat after trailing DSA candidate Angela Gonzalez-Torres, who captured 58.7% compared to Gomez’s 41.3%.
