Nithya Raman Widens Lead in Los Angeles Mayoral Race as Amish Shah Claims Congressional Victory in Arizona

WASHINGTON–Indian American Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has expanded her lead over incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the city’s mayoral election, while Democrat Amish Shah has declared victory in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, potentially marking two significant political gains for Indian Americans following the U.S. midterm elections.

Raman held a lead of more than 26,000 votes over Bass in the latest available Los Angeles County election returns, strengthening her position in the closely watched contest to lead the nation’s second-largest city.

Meanwhile, Shah, an emergency-room physician and former Arizona state legislator, declared victory over Republican Jay Feely in a congressional race that could shift a previously Republican-held seat to Democratic control.

According to Los Angeles County election figures updated Wednesday afternoon, Raman received 405,193 votes, representing 51.67 percent of the total, compared with Bass’s 379,069 votes, or 48.33 percent.

The results gave Raman a lead of 26,124 votes, although ballots remained to be counted and the election had not been officially decided.

Raman’s growing advantage represents a turnaround from election night, when Bass initially held a narrow lead before subsequent ballot counts shifted the race in her challenger’s favor.

The Los Angeles Times reported Raman’s expanding lead, while LAist and ABC7 continued monitoring the closely contested election. ABC7 reported Wednesday that the mayoral race remained too close to call.

Raman, who currently serves on the Los Angeles City Council, is seeking to unseat Bass and become Mayor of one of the country’s largest and most politically influential cities.

In Arizona, Shah announced that he had won the race for the state’s 1st Congressional District, a seat previously held by Republican Representative David Schweikert.

The Arizona Republic reported that Shah told supporters he had spoken with Feely and praised his opponent for running a competitive campaign.

However, the newspaper did not confirm that Feely had formally conceded the election.

Decision Desk HQ projected Shah as the winner Wednesday evening, according to Arizona radio station KTAR.

At that point, Shah led with 52.5 percent of the vote, compared with Feely’s 45.4 percent, giving the Democrat an advantage of 22,494 votes.

Arizona’s 1st Congressional District includes Scottsdale and portions of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The seat became open after Schweikert decided to pursue the Arizona governorship, creating an opportunity for Democrats to compete in a district previously represented by a Republican.

Shah, who previously served in the Arizona legislature, faced Feely, a former National Football League kicker and sports broadcaster who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Although Shah has declared victory and a major election tracker has projected him as the winner, the result remains subject to official certification.

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus welcomed the prospect of Shah’s election, noting that his victory would make him the first Indian American to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.

In a statement issued Wednesday before the reported election projection, the caucus said Shah’s addition would increase its anticipated Asian American and Pacific Islander membership in the next Congress to 23, compared with the previously identified minimum of 22.

The caucus also celebrated Democrat Pia Dandiya’s election in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, describing her as the first Indian American woman elected to represent that district.

The developments highlight the expanding presence of Indian Americans in U.S. politics, with candidates competing for leadership positions at the municipal and federal levels.

The November 3 midterm elections included races for the U.S. House of Representatives, state offices and local governments across the country.

Newly elected members of the House will begin their two-year terms when the next Congress convenes in January 2027.

For Raman and Shah, the latest results represent important milestones in their respective campaigns, although official certification remains necessary to finalize the outcomes. (Source: IANS)