Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman will meet for the first time in a face‑to‑face debate on August 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. The event marks the inaugural discussion between the two candidates who have advanced to the November 3 runoff for the city’s mayoral office.
The debate is being organized by three local groups: the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, and the Sherman Oaks/Encino Chamber of Commerce. All three organizations are providing the venue and logistical support for the evening’s program. Attendees will include residents of the Sherman Oaks community as well as representatives of local businesses and neighborhood groups.
During the forum, Bass and Raman are expected to address the campaign issues that have defined their respective platforms. While specific topics have not been disclosed, the format will give voters an opportunity to hear each candidate articulate their positions directly to one another. The setting offers a chance for the electorate to compare the candidates’ visions for Los Angeles ahead of the decisive November 3 runoff.
The timing of the debate follows the certification of the runoff ballot, which confirmed Bass and Raman as the final two contenders after the March primary. With the election less than three months away, the Sherman Oaks discussion provides a focal point for the city’s political landscape and for residents seeking clearer insight into the choices before them.
Local officials and community leaders have highlighted the importance of the debate as a civic event that encourages informed voting. The collaboration among the homeowners association, neighborhood council, and chamber of commerce reflects a broader effort to engage the public in the electoral process. The debate will be open to the public, and the organizers have indicated that a live stream will be made available for those unable to attend in person.
The evening concludes with a question‑and‑answer segment, allowing audience members to pose inquiries directly to the candidates. As the campaign moves toward its final stretch, the Sherman Oaks debate stands as a key moment for both candidates to make their case to voters before the November 3 runoff.