Could a reality TV star really become the next Mayor of Los Angeles? That's the buzz around the City of Angels as Spencer Pratt, iconic for his role in "The Hills," has thrown his hat into the ring. Pratt, running as an independent, announced his unexpected bid in January, catching the attention of Angelinos and political pundits alike. Despite previous affiliations with Republican ideals, Pratt is charting his own course in this political debut.
Karen Bass, who made history as LA's second Black mayor, is now facing a challenge from this new outsider. Bass, who took over the mayoral reins from Eric Garcetti in 2022, was sworn in by none other than Kamala Harris. Her leadership, however, is now under scrutiny as Pratt's popularity amongst local voters appears to be climbing.
“I never wanted to be in politics,” Spencer candidly revealed, criticizing local officials for their response to the 2025 wildfires.
The reality of a reality star in politics seems closer than ever. Pratt's campaign advisor, Douglas Herman, has indicated that internal polling by Binder Research shows promising signs for Pratt making it to the November runoff. Herman’s email to TMZ highlights endorsements and growing support for Pratt, hinting at a potential upset in the city's political scene.
Nithya Raman, initially seen as a frontrunner, has reportedly been struggling with name recognition and favorability, according to Herman. Despite being a formidable presence in local politics, Raman's campaign seems to be faltering in comparison to Pratt's rising star. Herman even noted that Raman's popularity pales next to that of Zohran Mamdani, New York City's recent mayoral victor.
Though Pratt may be gaining traction with the public, he faces opposition closer to home. His sister, Stephanie Pratt, has expressed disapproval of his candidacy in no uncertain terms. "A vote for him is a vote for stupidity," she remarked, underscoring the mixed reactions within the Pratt family.
As election day on June 3 approaches, all eyes are on this high-stakes race. Should no candidate secure a majority, the city will prepare for a runoff on November 3. With the buzz around this election reaching fever pitch, Angelenos are left to ponder – can Spencer Pratt make a political splash as the next mayor of LA?