Explained: Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman ousts embattled Mayor Karen Bass

Nithya Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated Mayor Karen Bass in the mayoral race.

Democratic Socialists of America

A left-wing political organization that backed Raman's campaign.

Palisades Fire

A deadly wildfire that struck during Bass's term and damaged her political standing.

Skid Row

A Los Angeles neighborhood described in the article as the epicenter of homelessness.

Berkeley IGS/LA Times poll

A survey of likely voters cited for data on mayoral priorities, conducted Oct. 19-25.

encampments

Homeless tent communities on streets, referenced throughout as a key policy issue.