Raman’s candidacy reflects the growing visibility and influence of Indian-origin leaders in American public life, signalling a broader shift in representation at the highest levels of power
The influence of the Indian diaspora in United States politics continues to grow, with another prominent Indian-origin leader entering a major mayoral contest. Following the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race, Nithya Raman has announced her bid for Mayor of Los Angeles, adding fresh energy to the political landscape.
Raman, 44, was born in Kerala and moved to the United States at the age of six. She filed her nomination just hours before the deadline, a move that has surprised political observers and reshaped the race. She will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and several other candidates in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.
In her campaign message, Raman has highlighted urgent challenges facing Los Angeles, including rising living costs, homelessness, public safety concerns and difficulties in accessing basic services
She has called for major reforms in city governance and stressed the need for accountability across municipal departments. Her campaign echoes the themes raised by Mamdani during his New York campaign, where he focused on affordability and proposed bold policies to address the high cost of living.
Analysts have drawn comparisons between Raman and Mamdani, noting that both represent a new generation of progressive leaders seeking systemic change. Some commentators believe Raman could emerge as a strong challenger to Bass, similar to how Mamdani replaced former New York Mayor Eric Adams.
Beyond politics, the Indian diaspora continues to play a significant role in the US economy and society. Indian-origin leaders hold top positions in major technology companies, including Alphabet, Microsoft and Adobe. In politics, figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have also gained national prominence.
