Spencer Pratt’s Political Shift: From Reality TV to Mayor

Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV persona on MTV’s “The Hills,” shared in an interview on Thursday how receiving death threats from fans pushed him to embrace the Republican Party and advocate for gun rights as a means of self-defense.

His decision to enter the Los Angeles mayoral race followed a personal tragedy when wildfires destroyed his home in California. In a discussion with CNN’s Elex Michaelson, Pratt reflected on his evolving beliefs, stating that his safety concerns actually led him to align himself with Republican values even before his house was lost.

“So you want to announce the news here?” he remarked when asked why he identified with the Republican side. “This is the first time I’m saying this. So this is breaking news. People will panic. When I was a hated reality star, I got so many death threats. There were so many security guards and police; what did they tell me to do? ‘Get your gun.’ This is real.”

Mr. Pratt has mentioned in past interviews, including a podcast with Joe Rogan, how he played a villain character in reality TV because, well, it made things interesting for viewers.

“I know people don’t like guns, but Los Angeles was dangerous if you didn’t,” he explained. “So I got a gun, my wife got one too, plus I needed a concealed carry permit.” He emphasized that support for concealed carry permits often comes from Republicans, which resonated with him on a personal level as he focused on family safety.

While Pratt acknowledged the complexity of the gun debate, he insisted on his plan to increase police presence around schools. When questioned about the logistics, he pointed out that collaborating with law enforcement could ensure safety. “All you have to do is pick one patrol unit,” he noted, “and that becomes their designated area.” There’s a need for protection, especially in schools, he added, reflecting on the fears that motivate these concerns.