Key facts
- Spencer Pratt, a Republican and reality television personality, failed to advance in the Los Angeles mayoral primary.
- Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass will face city council member Nithya Raman in the November runoff.
- Pratt's campaign focused on issues such as homelessness, crime, and urban decay.
- Pratt's candidacy was noted for its reliance on celebrity and AI-generated campaign videos.
- No Republican has won a Los Angeles mayoral race since 1997.
Spencer Pratt, a Republican reality television personality known for his role on "The Hills," failed to advance to the November runoff in the Los Angeles mayoral primary. The Associated Press determined that incumbent Mayor Karen Bass will face progressive city council member Nithya Raman in the general election. Pratt's campaign, which focused on issues like homelessness and crime, was fueled by celebrity and AI-generated videos, but he was unable to overcome the significant Democratic voter registration advantage in Los Angeles.
Pratt's political ambitions were partly shaped by the destruction of his home in the Palisades Fire, which he cited as evidence of failed leadership. However, reports later emerged that he was living at the luxurious Hotel Bel-Air during his campaign. Despite his inexperience, some voters expressed a desire for an outsider with energy and common-sense policies, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Pratt's celebrity background includes a long stint on "The Hills" with his wife Heidi Montag, their joint book on fame, and various publicity stunts. He has also spoken about his past financial struggles and his business selling crystals. His campaign faced an uphill battle, as no Republican has won a Los Angeles mayoral race since 1997, and registered Republicans constitute under 15% of the city's voters.