Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman will debate homelessness, police and city hall issues on Wednesday, Aug. 19. It comes less than two months out from when ballots go out for the midterms.
Bass and Raman face topics such as on safety in the city, small businesses and economic opportunity, housing and more, according to the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, which is presenting the debate.
Since the primary election in June — in which Raman edged out former reality TV star Spencer Pratt for a spot in the runoff election — Bass has faced outcry from some Los Angelenos due to the massive, cold-storage warehouse fire that burned for days in Boyle Heights. The blaze left residents with a foul odor, an influx of reported
pests and concerned about air quality, the latter of which Raman called the mayor out on in a July interview.
Meanwhile, Bass’ campaign has called into question Raman’s record on housing and has highlighted the mayor’s work in the Boyle Heights fire recovery.
The association held a mayoral debate that the pair attended earlier this year ahead of the June primaries. The latest debate is sold out as of Aug. 15, according to the association. However, people can tune in via a live stream or by listening live on LAist.
LA mayor race polls: Fake poll hits race
The debate on Aug. 19 comes just days after the Los Angeles Times reported that a poll showing Bass leading by nearly 12 percentage points over Raman was actually fake. More polls will likely be released as the November election gets closer.
What time is the LA mayor debate tonight?
The debate is scheduled at 7 p.m. PDT, according to the association.
When is the LA mayor election?
The election for LA mayor will be held on Nov. 3.
How long has Karen Bass been mayor?
Bass was elected as the mayor of Los Angeles in 2022. Two years earlier, Raman was elected to Los Angeles City Council, defeating an incumbent.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bass, Raman to talk homelessness, police at LA mayor race debate
