Raman unseats L.A.'s Karen Bass as Vali Chandrasekaran mobilizes Hollywood

World Nov 07, 2026

Nithya Raman pulled off a rare win by unseating L.A.'s sitting mayor, Karen Bass, the first time that's happened since 2005.

Behind the scenes, her husband Vali Chandrasekaran played a key role, using his Hollywood connections (he's written for Modern Family and 30 Rock) to bring in star support and help shape her focus on local jobs.

Chandrasekaran shaped Raman's L.A. jobs plan

Vali gave Nithya real insight into Hollywood's economic struggles, which shaped her plans to protect industry jobs.

Thanks to his network, celebs like Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling backed her campaign.

The couple met near Harvard and have built a strong partnership, balancing busy careers, raising twins in Silver Lake, and supporting each other as Nithya moves from council member to mayor.