Mahi Shrivastava, Bhopal: India-born politician Nithya Raman has won the Los Angeles mayoral race, defeating incumbent Karen Bass and becoming the first Asian-American mayor of the second-largest city in the United States. The victory came as Democrats swept the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Historic Win for Indian-Origin Leader
Raman, born in Kerala, secured 51.1 per cent of the vote, ahead of Bass’s 48.33 per cent, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ. She is set to become the 44th mayor of Los Angeles.
Her victory is a major milestone for Indian-origin representation in American politics. Raman will also become only the second woman elected to Los Angeles’ top citywide office.
Democrats Take Congress
Across the United States, Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump. The party flipped seven Senate seats, including in Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, Maine and North Carolina.
Democrats were projected to win at least 240 House seats, giving them a clear majority and the power to challenge the Trump administration’s legislative agenda.
Trump Accepts Defeat
President Trump acknowledged that the war in Iran had affected the election outcome, saying it was “largely true” that the conflict contributed to Republican losses by pushing up petrol prices. However, he defended the military action and said he would make the same decision again.
Vice President JD Vance also blamed the Iran war for the Republican defeat, writing that “the reason we lost is the war.” Trump said he accepted the result and was willing to work with Democrats, though he warned of possible gridlock in Washington.
What It Means
The election results will sharply limit Trump’s ability to push his agenda during the final two years of his term. For Raman, the win marks the beginning of a historic tenure in Los Angeles and a significant moment for the Indian-American community in US politics.