Nithya Raman’s failed micro-state shows what the next four years hold

Nithya Raman won the election, and we wish her well — but she’ll have to prove herself to Angelenos, especially her own former constituents.

Thus far, she is losing in her own district to soon-to-be-former LA Mayor Karen Bass.

Ballots are still being counted, and Raman could still take the district. She certainly has come from behind before.

But for now, it looks as though Raman’s own constituents are delivering a sobering verdict on Raman.

The residents of District 4 — which includes parts of Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley — had six years of experience with Raman as their representative on the City Council.

And that was enough for most of them, apparently, to stick with Karen Bass as mayor.

It’s no surprise: You could see the tension between Raman and her constituents when the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association hosted a mayoral debate in August.

Questions from the residents showed clear frustration with Raman’s leadership. They faulted her for allowing street vendors to undercut brick-and-mortar restaurants, for example, and for neglecting single-family homes.

They delivered their verdict on November 3. But it doesn’t have to be the final verdict.

Raman has a chance to start fresh — not just for her old district, but for the entire city.

For example, meeting with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell is a good idea — and a chance for her to drop her campaign pledge to fire him.

There was never a reason to fire McDonnell, who has done a good job, with crime falling.

Radical anti-ICE activists — Raman’s close political allies — demanded his scalp because he allowed LAPD officers to protect federal officers from being assaulted by mobs.

But it would be foolish to upend LAPD leadership less than two years before the Olympics arrive in town.

Raman can take a page from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s book.

Mamdani, a fellow socialist, ran last year on many of the same radical ideas as Raman. 

But when he took office, he kept NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her job.

That disappointed his base — but it was good for the residents of New York.

One thing is certain: Raman has to work harder for the city than she did for District 4.

Residents complained to The California Post that Raman ignored their concerns over the years, and did very little to stop the spread of homeless encampments.

That won’t fly in the mayor’s office.

Raman may have academic training as an urban planner, but you can’t run a big city from the faculty lounge or a drafting table.

You have to make bold decisions. You have to walk among the people.

The voters of District 4 gave their verdict on Raman. But it doesn’t have to be the final one.