The 2026 Los Angeles mayoral runoff between incumbent Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman remains tightly contested heading into the November 3 election, with the latest UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll showing both candidates at 40% support among likely voters and 19% undecided. Bass erased Raman’s prior double-digit lead from September by gaining ground among voters who backed eliminated primary candidate Spencer Pratt, alongside stronger backing from Black voters and older Latinos. Core issues driving voter priorities include reducing homeless encampments, public safety, and affordable housing, while both candidates face elevated unfavorable ratings. Endorsements from figures like Rick Caruso for Bass and shifting coalitions, including labor and progressive groups, have kept the contest balanced without a decisive shift. This polling volatility and narrow margins align with trader consensus pricing near-even outcomes and modest victory spreads.