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Pratt announces long-shot mayoral bid
Former The Hills star Spencer Pratt launched a campaign for Los Angeles mayor on Wednesday, framing his candidacy as a crusade to overhaul city politics in the wake of last year's devastating wildfires.
Pratt, 42, unveiled his bid at a "They Let Us Burn" rally marking the first anniversary of the Palisades Fire, which destroyed his Pacific Palisades home and became one of California's most destructive blazes.
Anniversary of twin infernos
The Palisades Fire erupted on January 7, 2025, scorching the affluent enclave nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Hours later, the Eaton Fire broke out across Los Angeles, compounding the disaster. Officials confirmed 31 fatalities and the destruction of over 16,000 homes and businesses.
Campaign framed as mission to 'expose the system'
Pratt posted Instagram photos showing him signing what appeared to be campaign paperwork, though his filing remained unofficial as of Wednesday.
"Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I'm done waiting for someone to take real action. That's why I am running for mayor. But let me be clear, this just isn't a campaign. This is a mission, and we are going to expose the system. We are going into every dark corner of LA politics and disinfecting the city with our light."
Spencer Pratt
Criticism of leadership
Pratt has become a vocal critic of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, blaming both for their handling of the wildfire response. His wife, fellow reality star Heidi Montag, also lost their home in the Palisades Fire.
From reality TV to city hall
Pratt gained fame in the mid-2000s on MTV's The Hills, where his relationship with Montag became a central storyline. The couple married in 2008 and have two children. They later appeared on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here and the UK edition of Celebrity Big Brother.
Uphill battle in crowded race
Pratt, a first-time candidate, enters a packed field for the June non-partisan primary. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who defeated real estate developer Rick Caruso in 2022, is seeking re-election. More than a dozen other candidates have already joined the race.
