A politically influential figure has urged supporters of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt to cast their votes for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the upcoming election. Critics have dismissed this advice as “insane.”
Samantha Ettus, a self-identified best-selling author and commentator, has released several videos recently encouraging conservatives to back Bass, which have collectively garnered tens of thousands of views.
She argues that her primary concern is to prevent Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman from winning the mayoral race.
Ettus expressed her extensive involvement in New York’s mayoral race that culminated in the election of socialist Zoran Mamdani. “We risk a similar outcome in Los Angeles,” she warned.
She emphasized the need for Los Angeles voters who oppose socialism to adopt a different strategy for the upcoming primary and general elections. California’s election format, often referred to as a “jungle primary,” allows the top two vote-getters, irrespective of party, to compete in November.
Ettus believes Spencer Pratt is likely to secure one of the top two spots due to solid Republican support, while the other spot will likely be a contest between Bass and Raman, both Democrats.
She contended that if Raman secures the second position, she could win, but cautioned that if Bass faces off against Raman, Bass would likely be defeated. Hence, voters should do everything to avoid a Raman victory, focussing instead on propelling Pratt during the general election. “Just hold your nose and vote for Karen Bass in the primary,” she advised.
Supporters of Pratt quickly rebutted Ettus’s statements, labeling them “dangerous” and misleading. California Republican Representative Elizabeth Balcohona criticized the strategy, stating, “Only Democrats would think of telling people to vote for Bass so Spencer can win.” She highlighted Bass’s current role as mayor and noted that she already likely has robust financial backing and support.
Balcohona expressed concern that this guidance could increase Bass’s chances of garnering over 50% of the vote, resulting in a decisive win for her. Even if that doesn’t happen, she suggested that voting for Bass could draw votes away from Pratt, possibly leading to a Bass-Raman general election.
Republican delegates argue that the best strategy to avert a Raman win is to vote for Pratt in both the primary and general elections. “Angelenos, regardless of party, who want to reclaim their city should rally behind Spencer Pratt,” recommended Republican Delegate Lisa Cusack.
Current polling indicates a competitive race, with Bass in the lead.
