Los Angeles Mayoral Race Update

Leading the Los Angeles mayoral contest are three candidates: former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, current mayor Karen Bass, and city Councilwoman Nithya Raman.

Pratt has declared his intention to liberate Los Angeles from what he calls the “open-air drug zombies” who, he claims, “commit multiple felonies every single day.” His solution? Enforcing existing laws more rigorously.

Bass, on the other hand, has a different approach. She highlights the need for healthcare, particularly dental care, for people struggling with addiction. “How many unhoused individuals do you meet who lack teeth?” she asked at a forum at the Original Pantry Cafe in Los Angeles. “Meth rots your teeth. You can’t succeed without teeth; therefore, comprehensive healthcare is essential.”

While there’s something to be said about health services, it’s hard to imagine that simply getting new teeth will enable someone tied to meth addiction to thrive in life.  

Then there’s Raman, whose recent proposals have raised eyebrows. She’s suggested emergency restrictions on outdoor fires on days designated as Red Flag Warnings, as these conditions can lead to wildfires. Reports indicate she’s pushing for limits on backyard barbecues and fire pits in residential areas.

In a spirited response, Pratt shared a video of himself smoking a brisket, seemingly around the Fourth of July. In it, he wrote “HAPPY SMOKE 4th” and captioned it with “COME AND TAKE IT.”

Raman’s idea seems unlikely to enhance safety much. It could, in fact, make life more difficult for responsible citizens, a recurrent issue with some California policymaking.

Comments from Noah Rothman of National Review suggest that most significant wildfires in California over the last two decades are due to lightning strikes or failed electrical infrastructure. These issues stem from the state’s inadequate forest management.

Rothman notes that the Palisades fire, which destroyed Pratt’s residence in January 2025, was reportedly set by someone disillusioned with wealth, whose feelings about the affluent propelled their actions.

Given these circumstances, Pratt’s plans seem like they might address the root of some issues better, considering that those with addiction issues under highways and in tents likely aren’t adhering to fire regulations.