Los Angeles, CA – Reality television personality Spencer Pratt is projected to advance to a November runoff election for the mayor of Los Angeles, setting the stage for a contest against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Election projections indicate Pratt will finish in second place as ballot counting continues following the nonpartisan primary.
"Obviously, God wanted 5 more months of me exposing all the failures of our mayor." — Spencer Pratt, Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate
Under Los Angeles election rules, a candidate must receive more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary to win outright. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the top two finishers proceed to a runoff election scheduled for November. Projections suggest Mayor Bass, a Democrat, will lead the primary, but without securing an outright victory, necessitating the runoff against Pratt. City Council member Nithya Raman, also a Democrat, remains further behind in the vote count.
Pratt, widely known for his appearances on MTV’s "The Hills," has drawn national attention for his unconventional entry into the political arena, given his lack of prior elected office experience. His campaign has focused on addressing what he describes as central challenges facing Los Angeles, including crime, homelessness, and broader city governance issues. He has frequently emphasized public safety concerns and city spending priorities, articulating dissatisfaction with the current direction of local leadership.
A recurring theme in Pratt’s campaign messaging has been his personal experience with the 2025 Palisades Fire, which destroyed his home. He has incorporated this event into discussions about recovery, rebuilding efforts, and the city’s emergency response planning, using it as a poignant reference point in his public appearances and communications.
President Donald Trump commented on the race, describing Pratt as a "big MAGA person," according to the Daily Mail. This endorsement highlights the broader political interest in a race within a city traditionally considered a Democratic stronghold. Los Angeles County voter registration data consistently shows Democrats significantly outnumbering Republicans, reflecting a long-standing partisan advantage in the region. Despite this, the mayoral race has garnered attention amidst voter dissatisfaction concerning city governance, persistent housing crises, and public safety issues.
During his campaign, Pratt has also faced scrutiny regarding past media appearances, including comments made years ago on programs hosted by conservative commentator Alex Jones. Pratt recently stated that those remarks do not reflect his current views. Questions have also been raised by local media about his residency status, which Pratt has disputed, attributing his displacement to the aforementioned wildfire.
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, a veteran politician who previously served in Congress and as Speaker of the California State Assembly, has navigated a challenging term since taking office. Her tenure has included significant labor strikes, ongoing homelessness challenges, city budget shortfalls, and recovery efforts following last year’s Palisades Fire. Mayor Bass has consistently highlighted her administration’s efforts to reduce homelessness and stabilize essential city services. She has also received notable endorsements from prominent Democratic figures, including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Nithya Raman, a progressive Democrat and trained urban planner, was also a significant contender in the primary. Her campaign advocated for expanded rental assistance programs and increased access to shelters, while also criticizing certain aspects of the city’s existing encampment and housing policies. Raman’s platform centered on implementing structural reforms to address the city’s housing and homelessness strategies.
As election officials continue to process the remaining ballots, the city is preparing for the final certification of results. The projected runoff between Mayor Bass and Spencer Pratt ensures that the Los Angeles mayoral race will remain a focal point of local politics through the fall.
