Democratic Socialists of America warns Nithya Raman needs to govern like a ‘true democratic socialist’ after mayoral win

Detailed summary

The DSA’s Long Beach chapter warned LA mayor-elect Nithya Raman it could oppose her administration if she does not advance its priorities.

The Democratic Socialists of America’s (DSA) Long Beach chapter has warned Los Angeles mayor-elect Nithya Raman that it could oppose her administration if she fails to follow the movement’s priorities, raising questions about the relationship between the incoming mayor and the group that endorsed her campaign.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is a left-wing political organisation that advocates democratic socialism in the US. Its priorities include affordable housing, workers’ rights, stronger social welfare programmes and limits on corporate influence in politics.

In a statement issued Friday, the chapter said Raman must govern as a “true democratic socialist” or face resistance, declaring: “We’ll bring the fight to her.”

The warning comes days after Raman won the Los Angeles mayoral race, marking a significant victory for the democratic socialist movement. However, the chapter said her positions on policing, Palestine and housing had raised concerns about whether she would deliver on its agenda.

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The Long Beach chapter said its jurisdiction extends into the southernmost parts of Los Angeles and claimed that its members and other DSA activists played a major role in Raman’s victory.

“Her association with DSA gave voters the confidence to elect her to lead Los Angeles, because DSA’s name is now synonymous with a new kind of politics,” the group said.

The chapter outlined several policy areas where it expects Raman to act, including tenant protections, housing, non-police public safety and pro-labour commitments.

It also criticised her record on Palestine and policing, saying her positions had created doubts about her commitment to the organisation’s values.

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