Former reality television personality Spencer Pratt has transformed from a long-shot candidate into a significant force in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Recent polling indicates that Pratt is currently capturing 22% of the vote, placing him in a tight three-way contest alongside incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman. With the primary election approaching this Tuesday, the surge in support for the former ‘The Hills’ star has introduced a new layer of unpredictability to the nonpartisan contest.

Because the Los Angeles mayoral election requires a candidate to secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright, the current field suggests a high likelihood of a November runoff. Pratt’s campaign has gained momentum by focusing on critical urban issues, including homelessness, public safety, and the city’s economic climate. His platform was largely spurred by personal experience, specifically the loss of his home in the Pacific Palisades fire, which he cites as a primary motivation for challenging the current administration’s handling of disaster preparedness and city management.

Pratt has positioned himself as a critic of the status quo, frequently challenging Mayor Bass’s claims regarding the reduction of homelessness in the city. He advocates for stricter law enforcement and the utilization of state legislation to mandate treatment for individuals suffering from severe mental illness and addiction. Additionally, he has centered his economic platform on pro-business policies, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for developers and enhance tax incentives to revitalize the local film industry.

Despite his rising poll numbers, Pratt faces a steep climb in a city with a strong Democratic base. While he is a registered Republican, he has distanced himself from national party labels, insisting that his focus remains strictly on local governance. As the primary nears, the race remains highly competitive, with voters weighing the incumbent’s institutional support against the growing appetite for a change in leadership that Pratt’s candidacy represents.