Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Campaign Rally in Downtown Los Angeles
Spencer Pratt, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, held a campaign event in downtown on Saturday, attracting around 300 attendees to the historic Alexandria Hotel. The gathering served as both a meet-and-greet and a voting rally, drawing a diverse crowd including long-time residents, property owners, and younger voters who typically don’t engage with local politics.
One attendee, Van Arthur, expressed frustration about the state of downtown, saying, “I live here. It’s horrible. It needs to be cleaned up.” He noted that this was his first time voting, stating, “It’s tough to trust people, but when candidates like Spencer actually come out and engage with us, I respect that.”
Significant investments have been made in downtown Los Angeles over the years to transform it from a mere commuter area into a vibrant urban center. Luxury apartments have sprung up, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues now populate the area. Isaac Shomov, who owns the Alexandria Hotel and more than 1,500 residential units, emphasized the uniqueness of downtown despite the substantial investments made, highlighting that public safety must be prioritized.
Shomov pointed out the beauty of downtown but admitted that attracting tenants is becoming increasingly challenging due to crime and homelessness. He had previously shared his concerns with Mayor Karen Bass, but felt that little had shifted since then.
For many attendees, safety concerns hit close to home. Maggie Nossen shared her personal struggles, saying it often feels unsafe to navigate the city as a woman, which influences how she presents herself in public. She leaned towards Pratt, calling for a practical approach to solving pressing issues.
Others, like Raul Claros, who is running for Los Angeles City Council District 1, viewed Pratt’s rally as indicative of broader dissatisfaction with current leadership, asserting, “Anyone but Eunice Hernandez, anyone but Karen Bass.” There were discussions envisioning a future where families, children, and local businesses thrive together in a safe downtown.
One participant noted that downtown generates about 30% of the city’s tax revenue, suggesting that the health of the entire city hinges on a vibrant urban core. “When downtown succeeds, all of L.A. benefits,” they said.
As the June 2 primary nears, Pratt appears to be gaining momentum. Reports indicate he raised about $2.7 million between mid-April and mid-May. With over 8,490 donations received during that timeframe, Pratt entered the final stretch with approximately $1.42 million in cash on hand—slightly ahead of his competitors, including Mayor Bass and Nithya Raman. His campaign is increasingly focusing on public safety, addressing voter dissatisfaction, and rejuvenating neighborhoods that residents feel have been neglected.
