National leaders of the Democratic Socialists of America decided Monday to postpone a final vote on whether to uphold or rescind the Los Angeles chapter’s endorsement of City Councilmember Nithya Raman in the L.A. mayor’s race, latimes.com reported. The delay comes amid ongoing national friction over whether Raman has taken a sufficiently firm stance against Israel.
National Scrutiny Over Local Endorsement Procedures
The left-wing organization’s National Political Committee initiated a review of the local endorsement after members flagged that Raman had not been asked for her position on “R22.” That internal DSA resolution requires local chapters to explicitly inquire about a candidate’s support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel prior to issuing an endorsement.
The DSA National Political Committee has voted to unendorse and expel Nithya RamanShe has until October 31 to express clear direct support for BDS to retain endorsement, and until January 1 to condemn weapon shipments for Israel out of LAX to remain a member of DSABoth… pic.twitter.com/RtEKMZM23Q
According to hoodline.com, the National Political Committee initially declared the chapter’s endorsement out of compliance on October 4. The local chapter, DSA-LA, had voted overwhelmingly on September 2 to endorse Raman over incumbent Karen Bass, tallying 937 votes in favor, 484 against, and 52 abstentions out of more than 6,000 eligible members.
DSA-LA co-chairs Leslie Chang and Sean Wakasa acknowledged in an email to members that omitting the specific BDS question from their candidate questionnaire was an oversight. However, Chang maintained that Raman had provided strong answers concerning Palestine throughout public forums, questionnaires, and direct communications.
Planned October 31 Meeting and Future Demands
Following meetings last week and on Monday, the national committee voted to collaborate with DSA-LA to arrange an October 31 meeting with Raman. The session will evaluate her positions on BDS and broader matters concerning the Gaza conflict. If Raman fails to provide clear and unequivocal commitments, the national committee intends to vote on rescinding the endorsement.
The national organization has also outlined conditions for a potential Raman victory in the November 3 election, demanding a commitment that she oppose weapons shipments to Israel out of Los Angeles International Airport. If Raman has not expressed support for BDS and condemned those shipments by January 1, the National Political Committee plans to initiate disciplinary procedures under R22 to schedule a vote on expelling her from the organization.
Raman Campaign Statement and Internal Chapter Division
During Monday’s national committee meeting, the Raman campaign submitted a written statement addressing the group. Raman stated that working Angelenos can best stand in solidarity with Gaza through nonviolent protest, legislative action, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS. While her campaign pointed back to that statement and past remarks, it declined to clarify whether Raman personally supports BDS and noted she does not plan to incorporate it into her mayoral platform.
The push by national leadership has caused friction within the local chapter. Clayton Ryles, a DSA-LA member who sits on the 27-person national committee, indicated he plans to vote against rescinding the endorsement. Ryles described the national intervention as unnecessary while expressing encouragement that Raman has aligned with Palestinian priorities.
This tense dynamic marks another chapter in an already rocky relationship between Raman and elements of the socialist movement. The local chapter previously censured Raman in February 2024 after she accepted an endorsement from Democrats for Israel–Los Angeles, though members voted at that time to maintain their backing for her council campaign.
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