Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman is facing another viral campaign moment after delivering what critics are calling a word salad answer to a straightforward question about defunding the police.
During an interview with ABC7 reporter Josh Haskell, Raman was pressed on where she stands on defunding the police. Haskell referenced criticism from fellow mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, who accused Raman of changing positions now that public opinion on policing has shifted.
“‘When defunding the police was trendy with her base,’ talking about you, ‘she leaned in. Now that families are less safe, suddenly she’s against it.’ Where do you stand on defunding the police?” Haskell asked.
Raman never gave a direct answer.
“You know, I voted for budgets at the city that have maintained and expanded the police force,” Raman responded. “But I pushed back against contracts that I felt were fiscally irresponsible.”
She then launched into a lengthy explanation about police union contracts, budget deficits and 911 staffing shortages, while never clearly stating whether she still supports the national “defund the police” movement.
The latest exchange comes just days after Raman sparked pushback during a separate CNN interview.
During that interview, CNN anchor Jessica Dean asked Raman directly whether she still believed in defunding police.
“No,” Raman answered.
Nithya Raman also has a long record at City Hall of voting against police raises, staffing increases and LAPD contracts, positions that are now resurfacing as scrutiny over her past comments on policing intensifies.
Raman previously backed efforts to reduce police staffing and funding and has publicly posted support for defunding the police on social media, including one post that has now resurfaced online as part of the latest viral controversy surrounding her campaign.
Now both television appearances are exploding online alongside Raman’s performance during the recent NBC televised mayoral debate, where viewers blasted the councilwoman’s answers as awkward, overly scripted and evasive.
The viral moments are unfolding as the race remains wide open.
A new Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey released on May 13 shows a close race with Pratt making the biggest gain in the field.
The former reality television star jumped to 22% support in May, up from 10% in March.
The Los Angeles primary election is set for June 2.