LOS ANGELES:- Nithya Raman, a candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles, responded to a question about capitalism—posed in light of her socialist political leanings—by stating that the United States operates under a capitalist system.
The incumbent City Council member, who is running for mayor in the upcoming November election, appeared in a CNN debate.
The host asked her if she considered herself a “capitalist.” She replied, “We are in a capitalist system. This is city government. The role is that of the Mayor of Los Angeles. You work within that context. And I will do whatever it takes to deliver for my residents.”
During the debate, she discussed the city’s housing crisis, emphasizing the need for building more housing and protecting renters.
Raman said, “I am ready to take whatever steps and implement whatever policies are necessary to make Los Angeles a more affordable, aspirational, and well-run city for its residents.”
CNN host Alex Michaelson stated that Raman represents “an expression of the same radical socialism that riles up figures like Mamdani.”
“I have announced my candidacy for Mayor of Los Angeles. People here aren’t hung up on political worldviews or ideologies,” Raman replied. “They want this city to work for them.”
During the interview, Michaelson asked Raman why she is a democratic socialist. She stated that she considers the socialist branch to be one of the few places in LA where tenants’ rights were seriously discussed. Raman criticized the Democratic Party “establishment”—including Bass—for engaging in pay-to-play politics.
Raman says, “I don’t think there is a specific ‘democratic socialist’ or ‘Democratic Party’ way to fix streetlights or potholes.”
Despite Raman’s socialist identity, her Democratic colleagues and allies on the city council are actively working on Mayor Bass’s election campaign.