In a recent debate ahead of the Los Angeles mayoral primary on June 2, current Mayor Karen Bass faced off against Republican contender Spencer Pratt and City Council member Nitya Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The event, co-hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo 52, delved into topics like public safety, housing costs, and immigration.
Social media reactions suggested mixed feelings about Pratt’s entry into politics after his reality TV career. Bass tackled significant issues, including the impending Palisades fire in Southern California projected for 2025.
‘I was stabbed in the neck.’
During the debate, Pratt made a statement about “inside safety,” emphasizing that people outside of homeless encampments do not feel safe. He discussed a local initiative called Inside Safe, which aims to transition individuals from homelessness into indoor housing but noted that many still struggle with addiction. He cited a statistic from the DEA indicating that a major portion of the homelessness crisis is linked to drug addiction, highlighting the futility of merely providing shelter without addressing underlying issues.
“This is a yes or no question.”
As the debate progressed, moderator Enrique Chiabra posed a direct query regarding whether non-citizens should be allowed to vote in local elections. Pratt answered with a firm “no,” while Bass elaborated on the distinction between green card holders and undocumented immigrants, indicating that some cities permit the former group to participate in local elections. Raman’s response was more nuanced, suggesting it depends on context.
“The most dangerous thing the mayor has ever given us.”
Pratt criticized Bass’s handling of the Pacific Palisades fire from January 2025, claiming she neglected to provide necessary funding for firefighting efforts. He referred to her actions as potentially the most hazardous decision made by a mayor.
“Mayor Bass and I are clearly not working together.”
Raman accused both Bass and Pratt of trying to sideline him from the general election discourse. In response, Pratt downplayed Raman’s significance, claiming they aren’t collaborating. Raman countered that the mayor’s strong connections to labor unions and current office gave her an edge over him.
“Public safety should be our top priority.”
The discussion turned to public safety, with Pratt criticizing Raman’s stance on police funding. He asserted that public safety should be paramount, proposing increased resources for the LAPD to boost its ranks. The debate highlighted the stark contrasts in priorities among the candidates as they approach the primary.
