Lefty mayoral candidate Nithya Raman accused the incumbent Karen Bass of engaging in “pay-to-play politics” over a proposal that would expand who qualifies for short-term rentals in Los Angeles.

The blistering criticism came in a lengthy social media thread posted just hours after Raman held a press conference targeting a proposal tucked inside Bass’ 2026-27 city budget plan.

The proposal would loosen current city rules and allow some non-primary residences — including investment properties and apartments — to be used as short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb.

Lefty mayoral candidate Nithya Raman accused the incumbent Karen Bass of engaging in “pay-to-play politics” over a proposal that would expand who qualifies for short-term rentals in Los Angeles. CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock

The blistering criticism came in a lengthy social media thread posted just hours after Raman held a press conference targeting a proposal tucked inside Bass’ 2026-27 city budget plan.…