New Delhi, June 8 -- Nithya Raman, a Kerala-born Indian-American politician, urban planner and Los Angeles City Council member, has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the race to become the next mayor of Los Angeles.

At 44, Raman is seeking to build on her growing political profile after narrowly securing second place in the city's mayoral primary election.

Born in Kerala, Raman moved to the United States with her family when she was six years old and grew up in Louisiana.

She earned a bachelor's degree in political theory from Harvard University before obtaining a master's degree in urban planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Before entering politics, Raman worked in urban planning and community advocacy, focu...