Outrage as Los Angeles voters shut out of mayoral debate livestream: ‘Insane’

Wednesday night’s debate between Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman was supposed to be an opportunity for Angelenos to decide on LA’s next leader.

Instead many found themselves unable to watch.

Viewers trying to tune in to the Zoom webinar are being greeted with a brutal message: “The webinar is at the host’s allowed capacity.”

The notice adds: “This webinar has reached the maximum number of attendees allowed. You may be able to join if some attendees leave. Try again later.”

The first showdown between the two November runoff contenders since June’s bruising primary was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. PT, with the event organized by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association and co-sponsored by the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council and the Sherman Oaks/Encino Chamber of Commerce.

The debate has apparently proven too popular for the virtual room.

Fox 11 reporter Phil Shuman is moderating the showdown, which comes as Bass and Raman battle for the mayor’s office ahead of the Nov. 3 runoff.

Bass topped the June primary with 34% of the vote, followed by Raman with 29%. Reality TV personality Spencer Pratt finished third, missing the runoff but helping turn the mayoral contest into a national political spectacle.

Viewers trying to watch the debate were not impressed with the lack of accessability.

“Zoom is at capacity. Why are we allowing a local homeowners association restrict video access to the only LA Mayoral Debate. What tf are we doing?” said @city_of_sortz.

“Insane. First general election mayoral debate for the nation’s second largest city can now ONLY be heard on the radio,” added @kenbensinger.

“The Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association didn’t spring for a professional Zoom account, so sorry, you can’t watch the Mayoral debate if you’re just logging in now. https://t.co/bSeAvP9iEL Seriously, what is this amateur hour foolishness? The City has a television channel,” added @esotouric.

Zoom is at capacity. Why are we allowing a local homeowners association restrict video access to the only LA Mayoral Debate.

What tf are we doing? https://t.co/fdpqXisz9c

— Not an LA County Supervisor (@city_of_sortz) August 20, 2026

The Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association didn’t spring for a professional Zoom account, so sorry, you can’t watch the Mayoral debate if you’re just logging in now. https://t.co/bSeAvP9iEL

Seriously, what is this amateur hour foolishness? The City has a television channel. pic.twitter.com/dNPRcVKk7d

— Esotouric’s Secret Los Angeles (@esotouric) August 20, 2026

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