The Los Angeles mayoral race has been sharply divided over the use of the word “genocide” to describe Israel’s war in Gaza, after Karen Bass and Nithya Raman gave opposing answers at a forum hosted by Jewish organisations.
The two Democrats faced questions on antisemitism, homelessness, the cost of living and preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games at the Skirball Cultural Center on Tuesday night, with the Gaza conflict becoming the most contentious issue of the evening.
Raman was asked about her previous description of Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. She said she had used the term after consulting people she regarded as experts.
“I have used that term. I’m not an expert on these issues, so I have looked to experts on these issues,” Raman said. “That is what guided me on using that term on what’s happening in Gaza.”
In an interview earlier this year, Raman had responded “I do, yes” when asked whether she believed Israel had committed genocide. The issue has drawn criticism from some Jewish community leaders, while Raman has said she understands the subject is deeply painful and would work to combat antisemitism if elected. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-29/mayoral-candidatess-views-on-gaza-likely-to-emerge-at))
Bass, who was asked directly whether “genocide” was an appropriate description, rejected the term.
“When I think of foreign affairs, my focus is on how they impact the city of L.A. And no, I don’t,” the incumbent mayor said.
The answers prompted divided reactions among voters attending the forum. One said the words “genocide and BDS” were what stood out, while another cited homelessness, affordability and the candidates’ positions on Israel as the decisive issues.
One voter said the event had shifted him towards Bass after he arrived undecided. Another called Raman’s answer “really abhorrent”, while a different attendee said it was “gasp-worthy” that the mayor had denied the conflict amounted to genocide.
Others took a more favourable view of Bass’s performance. “I was actually surprised by Bass, to be honest. I thought she did really well,” one voter said. “I was not surprised by Nithya.”
The dispute came as Raman holds an 11-point lead over Bass in a recent UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and Los Angeles Times poll. Raman was backed by 39 per cent of likely voters, compared with 28 per cent for Bass, while 33 per cent remained undecided. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-23/raman-takes-big-lead-over-bass-in-latest-poll-for-la-mayors-race?sfmc_id=6529c8713ed79c24f8853770&skey_id=6accdd00f276f2e43cff2789a12ac0fbfbc14d07772c8260d6b723326f44fdc8))
The survey was conducted between 15 and 20 September among 2,150 likely city voters, with a margin of error of about three percentage points. Most voters who supported former candidate Spencer Pratt in the June primary had yet to choose between the two candidates, adding to the uncertainty in the contest. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-23/raman-takes-big-lead-over-bass-in-latest-poll-for-la-mayors-race?sfmc_id=6529c8713ed79c24f8853770&skey_id=6accdd00f276f2e43cff2789a12ac0fbfbc14d07772c8260d6b723326f44fdc8))
Mail-in ballots are due to begin arriving on 1 October, ahead of the 3 November election. The candidates therefore have only a short period left to win over undecided voters, including those who backed Pratt before he was eliminated from the race. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-23/raman-takes-big-lead-over-bass-in-latest-poll-for-la-mayors-race?sfmc_id=6529c8713ed79c24f8853770&skey_id=6accdd00f276f2e43cff2789a12ac0fbfbc14d07772c8260d6b723326f44fdc8))
The forum was also expected to address public safety, the homelessness crisis and the city’s preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, issues that remain central to the contest despite the focus on Gaza and antisemitism. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-09-29/mayoral-candidatess-views-on-gaza-likely-to-emerge-at))
