Full Breakdown
Spencer Pratt Officially Enters Los Angeles Mayoral Race
2/4/2026, 11:21:07 AM
Spencer Pratt's Candidacy Announcement
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt has officially launched his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles, filing a Declaration of Intention with the City Clerk's Office on February 3, 2026. Pratt, known for his role on MTV's "The Hills," made the announcement on the one-year anniversary of the devastating Palisades Fire that destroyed his home. He expressed his motivation for entering politics, stating, “Palisades was the last place I could hide from what LA had become under Karen Bass,” referring to the current mayor. Pratt criticized Bass's performance, highlighting a recent poll indicating that only 36% of residents approve of her job as mayor, while 61% disapprove.
Background and Context
The Palisades Fire in January 2025 significantly impacted Pratt's life and prompted his political ambitions. He has been vocal about the slow recovery efforts following the disaster, which he attributes to Bass's administration. Pratt's criticisms extend beyond local governance; he has also targeted California Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he referred to as “Mr. Hair Gel” in his memoir after Newsom labeled him a “C-list reality star.”
Key Figures in the Race
Pratt joins a competitive field of candidates for the 2026 mayoral election, which includes incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner, and Democratic Socialist Rae Chen Huang. The election is shaping up to be a significant contest, with nearly two dozen candidates having filed paperwork to run.
Criticism of Current Leadership
Pratt's campaign is rooted in his dissatisfaction with the current administration. He criticized Bass for being absent during the Palisades Fire, as she was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana when the fires broke out. His comments reflect a broader discontent among residents regarding the city's handling of disaster recovery and public safety.
Official Statements & Responses
In his announcement, Pratt emphasized his desire for a better Los Angeles for his children, stating, “I would love for my kids to be able to grow up in the LA I grew up in.” He also expressed anticipation for potential rivalries within the race, particularly with Lindsey Horvath, a member of the LA Board of Supervisors, who has had public disagreements with Bass.
What's Next
As the election approaches, Pratt's campaign will likely focus on addressing the concerns of Los Angeles residents regarding public safety, disaster recovery, and city governance. His celebrity status may attract attention to his platform, but he will need to navigate a crowded field of candidates to gain traction among voters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We can’t do four more years of Karen Bass,” — Spencer Pratt
- “I can’t wait for her to announce because I can’t wait for those two to argue about who’s worse at their job. I don’t want to be a politician. I want to be able to live in LA and my tax money going to basic things that we all want,” — Spencer Pratt
- “Palisades was the last place I could hide from what LA had has become under Karen Bass, so now that I don’t even have that sanctuary to protect my eyeballs anymore I’m forced to see what Karen Bass has done to LA,” — Spencer Pratt