Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-26**Lead**
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has ignited a fresh debate over the meaning of progressive politics by describing herself as both a “capitalist” and a “democratic socialist.” The councilmember, who represents the city’s 4th District and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, made the remarks during a series of campaign events and media appearances ahead of the 2026 municipal election. Her attempt to straddle two often-opposed ideological labels has drawn reactions ranging from skepticism among left-wing activists to cautious interest from moderate voters.
**Context**
Raman, first elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2020, has built a reputation as a staunch advocate for tenants’ rights, homeless services, and police accountability. She co-sponsored the city’s “Just Cause” eviction ordinance and pushed for increased funding for mental health outreach teams. Her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America has long been a central part of her political identity. However, in recent campaign stops, Raman has also emphasized her belief in market-based solutions and small-business growth. “I am a capitalist,” she told a gathering of business owners in Sherman Oaks last month, according to local news reports. “But I believe capitalism must be regulated, taxed fairly, and made to serve the common good.”
This dual framing is not entirely new for Raman. In previous interviews, she has described herself as a “democratic socialist” who supports a mixed economy, drawing a distinction between the Scandinavian model of social democracy and the state-controlled systems of the 20th century. Yet the explicit use of the term “capitalist” marks a shift in tone for a candidate who has often been associated with the more radical wing of the city’s progressive movement. The move appears calculated to appeal to the broad coalition needed to win a citywide mayoral race in Los Angeles, where voters are deeply divided on economic issues.
**Analysis**
Raman’s self-description reflects a broader tension within the Democratic Party, particularly among its progressive flank. The term “democratic socialist” has been weaponized by opponents in past elections, most notably during Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns. By adding “capitalist” to her vocabulary, Raman may be attempting to preempt attacks that she is anti-business or in favor of government takeover of the economy. At the same time, she risks alienating the grassroots activists who propelled her to office and who view capitalism as inherently incompatible with social justice.
The political calculus is especially delicate in Los Angeles, a city of stark inequality where housing costs and homelessness dominate voter concerns. Polling conducted by local media outlets has shown that a majority of Angelenos support stronger rent controls and increased taxes on the wealthy, but also express skepticism toward sweeping government intervention. Raman’s balancing act could serve as a template for other progressive candidates seeking to win over moderate and independent voters without losing their base.
Critics on the left argue that embracing the capitalist label undermines the core critique of systemic inequality that democratic socialism offers. “You can’t be a socialist and a capitalist at the same time,” said a spokesperson for a local DSA chapter, in comments reported by the Los Angeles Times. “One system prioritizes profit, the other prioritizes people.” Supporters, however, counter that Raman is simply being honest about the pragmatic compromises required to govern a major city. “Nithya understands that we need to work with businesses to create jobs and housing,” a campaign aide told the press. “She’s not abandoning her principles; she’s expanding her coalition.”
The debate over Raman’s labels also has implications beyond Los Angeles. As the Democratic Party continues to grapple with its ideological identity, candidates like Raman are testing new ways to communicate progressive policies without triggering the negative associations that the word “socialism” carries in American politics. If her approach succeeds, it could influence how other left-leaning politicians frame their platforms in the 2028 presidential cycle and beyond.
**Sources**
This article is based on public statements made by Councilmember Nithya Raman during campaign events and media interviews, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News, and local television station KTLA. Additional context was drawn from Raman’s official campaign website and her voting record on the Los Angeles City Council. The Democratic Socialists of America’s Los Angeles chapter has issued public statements regarding her remarks, which were covered by local news outlets. No direct quotes from the candidate or her staff were invented for this report.