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Reality TV figure shakes up LA mayoral primary
Spencer Pratt, known for his role on MTV's The Hills, has become a serious challenger in the race for Los Angeles mayor, polling just behind front-runners Karen Bass and Nithya Raman ahead of Tuesday's non-partisan primary.
Poll shows tight three-way race
A UC Berkeley-Los Angeles Times survey released Thursday placed incumbent Mayor Karen Bass at 26% support among likely voters, with City Councilmember Nithya Raman at 25% and Pratt at 22%. The poll reflects a crowded field of over three dozen candidates vying for the city's top job.
Under election rules, a candidate must secure over 50% of the vote to win outright. If no one crosses that threshold, the top two contenders will advance to a November runoff.
Pratt's campaign strategy and funding
Pratt, a Republican in a heavily Democratic city, has leveraged social media to amplify his message, using TikTok rants, AI-generated videos mocking opponents, and high-profile campaign ads. His spokesperson dismissed rumors of a potential reality show tied to a victory, focusing instead on his platform.
Financially, Pratt has outpaced his rivals, raising $2.7 million between April 19 and May 16-nearly ten times Bass's haul and seven times Raman's during the same period.
Key issues and controversies
Pratt's campaign centers on restoring Los Angeles to what he calls its "golden age," echoing themes reminiscent of Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. He has criticized Bass's response to the 2025 wildfires, which destroyed his Pacific Palisades home, and has framed the city as plagued by crime, homelessness, and decay.
His proposals include mandatory drug treatment programs to address homelessness, though critics argue his focus on affluent areas like Pacific Palisades fails to represent the broader city.
"I may not have the experience, but I have the common sense to say this is not working."
Spencer Pratt
Skepticism and political dynamics
Bass and Raman have both questioned Pratt's qualifications, with Bass calling him inexperienced and Raman labeling him an "anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist" offering unrealistic solutions. Los Angeles hasn't elected a Republican mayor since 2001, and political analysts note Pratt's appeal may stem from voter frustration rather than policy depth.
Efrén Pérez, a UCLA political psychology professor, noted Pratt's ability to attract donors but cautioned that governing requires more than campaigning. "There's a massive leap between running for office and getting your hands dirty for the long haul," he said.
Celebrity politics and voter appeal
Pratt's rise mirrors a broader trend of entertainers entering politics, from Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Donald Trump. Marty Kaplan, a USC professor of media and society, suggested voters increasingly prioritize entertainment over traditional qualifications.
"What seems to matter now is almost exclusively, 'will you promise not to bore me?'"
Marty Kaplan, USC
Trump recently weighed in on Pratt's campaign, calling him "a character" and expressing support. Pratt, however, has sought to distance himself from national partisan battles, despite his alignment with MAGA rhetoric.
What's next
With nearly 65% of Los Angeles County voters backing Kamala Harris in the last presidential election, Pratt faces an uphill battle in a city where Democrats dominate. The primary results on Tuesday will determine whether he advances to the general election or if Bass and Raman continue their duel.
