If you've ever binge-watched MTV’s "The Hills," the name Spencer Pratt probably rings a bell. Once just another face on the vibrant Hollywood scene, Pratt is now trying to redefine his legacy in an unexpected way. As LA grapples with its future, he's stepping into the political spotlight, running for mayor in the 2026 election. His decision to run follows a personal loss – his home in Pacific Palisades was devastated by the 2025 wildfires, a tragedy he blames on the current city leadership.
"I want to usher in a new golden age for Los Angeles," Pratt declared as he announced his candidacy, promising to make the city "camera ready" once more.
Pratt is taking his outsider status as a badge of honor, positioning himself as a candidate who truly understands the struggles of everyday Angelenos. He’s targeting the frustration many have felt with Mayor Karen Bass and other city officials over their handling of the Palisades Fire.
Spencer Pratt isn’t just relying on his reality TV fame to win over voters; he’s bringing tangible proposals to the table. A key piece of his platform involves rigorous performance audits of city departments. His plan? Boost funding for departments that deliver results and cut back on those that don’t. It’s a no-nonsense approach that echoes his commitment to cleaning up the city's act.
His campaign also focuses on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a department marred by past corruption scandals. Pratt has called for "a top-to-bottom audit" of this agency, hoping to restore trust and efficiency in its operations.
Despite his controversial reputation, Pratt is making waves in the polls. An April UCLA Luskin poll indicated that he was trailing Mayor Bass, but still managed to secure a significant 11% support from Los Angeles voters.
As with any Hollywood plotline, Pratt’s political journey isn’t without drama. Some liberal and progressive voters have labeled him an unqualified candidate. Even his own sister, Stephanie Pratt, has taken a swipe at his ambitions, publicly advising Angelenos against voting for him.
Additionally, Pratt's willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on immigration policies has raised eyebrows and fueled criticism, particularly from fellow mayoral hopeful Nithya Raman, who dubbed him a "MAGA Republican." But Pratt remains unfazed, maintaining that his focus is on revitalizing LA.