Jim Newton

Commentary

Pratt out, Raman in: What Los Angeles voters can now expect in the mayoral race

Nithya Raman's success at making the runoff in the L.A. mayor's race means Karen Bass will need to answer difficult questions about high living costs and public safety.

By Jim Newton • June 9, 2026

Commentary

The mayoral showdown that benefits Karen Bass doesn’t really benefit Los Angeles voters

Karen Bass would have coasted back into office if Spencer Pratt had advanced to the general election. But it would've been a wasted opportunity for voters to have a substantive debate about her record.

By Jim Newton • June 4, 2026

Commentary

Will California voters embrace outsiders or candidates with governing experience?

The races for governor and Los Angeles mayor offer candidates in contrast: some with years of experience running bureaucracies and others proud to have none.

By Jim Newton • May 28, 2026

Commentary

An LA tech maven trying to tackle homelessness issues deserves voters’ attention in mayor’s race

Adam Miller, a Democrat, is running in the business-person-turned-candidate lane, which has had mixed election success in Los Angeles.

By Jim Newton • May 14, 2026

Commentary

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him

In his memoir, Pratt describes himself as selfish, undisciplined and unprincipled. He deflects blame, squanders fortunes and complains a lot.

By Jim Newton • April 30, 2026

Commentary

Taxing LA mansions likely hindered efforts to build affordable housing. Can it be fixed?

Though it raised more than $1 billion for affordable housing and rent relief, LA’s mansion tax depressed apartment construction. Is it worth it?

By Jim Newton • April 16, 2026

Commentary

Top-two race in Los Angeles makes strange political bedfellows

Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass may elevate a lesser known Republican opponent in the nonpartisan race to sidestep a higher-polling Democratic foe.

By Jim Newton • April 2, 2026

Commentary

Labor unions’ influence in LA mayor’s race is harder to predict this year

As Mayor Karen Bass vies to keep her seat, she has a liberal opponent and a more complicated relationship with some labor leaders.

By Jim Newton • March 19, 2026

Commentary

Should Los Angeles’ City Council get bigger for better representation? Let voters decide

California’s largest city has 265,000 people per council member, more than most major cities. Voters might vote to reduce that by expanding the council.

By Jim Newton • March 5, 2026

Commentary

A former political ally tests LA liberals’ allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass isn't vulnerable on her right, but she may be on her left, as City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialist and ex-supporter, runs against her.

By Jim Newton • February 19, 2026

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