Reality TV Star Gains Ground in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Reality television figure Spencer Pratt is advancing in the Los Angeles mayoral race, attempting to replace current Mayor Karen Bass this November. Bass, who has led the city since 2022, faces a runoff election after not securing a majority of votes in Tuesday’s primary. The absence of a candidate with more than 50% of the votes means the two leading candidates will compete in a November runoff.

This situation is challenging for Bass, who has received endorsements from Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris. She has served California in various Democratic positions for years. Pratt, known from the MTV show “The Hills,” stood in second place as of Wednesday morning.

Obviously, God wanted five more months of me exposing the failures of our mayor,
Pratt remarked to reporters as results came in Tuesday evening.

Pratt has consistently criticized Bass on longstanding issues, such as fire recovery, homelessness, and crime. He blames Bass for the wildfires that destroyed over 18,000 structures in Los Angeles, including his own home. His momentum in the race has eliminated Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman as a major competitor. Raman, once considered a potential threat to Bass and a proponent for a more progressive city direction, has not yet conceded despite trailing behind Pratt.

As a registered Republican, Pratt faces a significant challenge in defeating Bass if he progresses to the runoff election. With Los Angeles being predominantly Democratic, less than 20% of voters affiliate with the GOP. Nonetheless, the mayoral contest is officially nonpartisan.

Rep. Darrell Issa stated that Pratt has gained popularity due to dissatisfaction with Bass’s leadership.

He’s catching fire among ardent historic Democrat voters because Karen Bass has been so ineffective,
Issa noted in an interview.

Bass, on the other hand, maintains that her leadership has positively impacted the city.

Los Angeles is at a turning point, her website states. After decades of rising homelessness, under-built housing, and a shrinking police force, it’s Mayor Karen Bass who finally stepped up to change how City Hall works.

Her website further claims, Homelessness is down, more housing is being built, and the LAPD is hiring new officers.