Nithya Raman announced her LA mayoral campaign and appeared on Breaking Points on September 25, 2026, criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta for not fighting the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger in court. She cited studies showing the merger would cost more than 4,000 jobs in Los Angeles. A private poll released October 21 shows the race tied at 44-44, shifting the discussion from her jobs claim and platform, which includes keeping film production in the city and addressing homelessness, to the now-even contest with Mayor Karen Bass.