Spencer Pratt Gains Momentum in Los Angeles Mayoral Race
Spencer Pratt, the Republican candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, has recently increased the visibility of his campaign, largely due to a promotional video that has gone viral.
In his video, Pratt, known for his reality TV background, uses social media to highlight the disparity between the polished homes of incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman, juxtaposed with the harsh realities many Angelenos face. His approach seems to resonate with local concerns and reflects his own personal struggles, notably losing his home in the Palisades Fire of January 2025. This loss appears to be a driving force behind his criticism of the city’s leadership and its handling of emergencies.
The recently released ad, titled “They Not Like Us,” has made a significant impact, achieving around 8.6 million views across various platforms.
In this 30-second clip, Pratt draws attention to the stark contrast between well-kept residences and scenes of urban decline, including footage of homeless encampments and chronic traffic issues. In what many see as a poignant moment, he stands outside a simple trailer and declares himself a victim of governmental oversight, citing his personal loss during the fires. This shift from his previous persona has positioned him as a relatable outsider, potentially shifting the dynamics in the race.
“They let my home burn down. I know what the consequences of failed leadership are. That’s why I am running for mayor, for my sons and the rest of these Angelenos that want to stop these corrupt politicians from destroying our city,” Pratt expresses in the video.
Recently, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss endorsed Pratt’s campaign and contributed the maximum allowable amount of $1,800 towards his primary efforts.
As for the prediction markets, Pratt’s chances of succeeding Mayor Bass have notably improved. Current estimates suggest he has a 43% probability of finishing in the top two during the upcoming primary, surpassing Democratic socialist Raman, who stands at 30%, while Bass’s odds for a second-place finish are 24%.
Although Bass was considered the front-runner for much of 2025, she was recently overtaken by Raman, leading to a change in market sentiment that has allowed Pratt to rise as a serious contender.
That said, earlier polling still favored Bass. An April 3rd poll from UCLA Luskin indicated Bass leading with 25%, followed by Pratt at 11% and Raman at 9%.
Interestingly, the race remains unpredictable, as about 40% of likely voters in Los Angeles indicate they are still undecided just weeks away from the primary on June 2nd.
According to the city’s election regulations, if no candidate receives a simple majority in June, the top two candidates will compete in a runoff during the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
