Full Breakdown
Latino Voter Outreach Shapes Los Angeles Mayoral Primary
5/18/2026, 12:54:40 AM
The Final Stretch of the Los Angeles Mayoral Race
The June 2 primary for Los Angeles mayor is in its final weeks. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, councilmember Nithya Raman, former reality-TV star Spencer Pratt, activist Rae Huang and entrepreneur Adam Miller are competing. Latino voters, about 37 % of the electorate, are seen as decisive.
Latino Electorate: Size and Turnout
Latinos have lower primary turnout. In 2022 they were 35 % of registered voters but under 25 % of ballots. Younger age, immigration status and limited voting history are cited. Many Latino voters remain undecided, giving candidates an opening. The 2024 gubernatorial race may boost participation.
Candidate Outreach to Latino Communities
Bass’s “Latinos con Bass” rally featured Sen. María Elena Durazo and praised her anti-ICE stance. Raman’s “hora feliz con Nithya” events stressed Latino voters as central. Pratt aired Spanish ads, a song “Spencer, Saca La Bassura,” and courted the Hispanic Republican Club. Huang highlighted personal ties; Miller met local business owners on safety.
Polls and Numbers
A UC Berkeley poll gave Bass 29 % Latino support, Pratt 16 %, Huang 14 %, Raman 9 % and Miller 3 %. An Emerson College poll in May put Bass at 30 % overall, Pratt at 22 % and Raman at 20 % (NY Post 19 %).
Official Campaign Positions
Bass highlighted her anti-ICE record. Raman stresses housing and public safety. Pratt pledges aggressive ICE removal, promising to “get illegal or dangerous people off our streets.” Huang emphasizes community engagement; Miller focuses on homelessness.
Criticism and Opposition
Claudia Agraz backs Pratt for public safety funding, but Republican chair David Hernandez warns he lacks executive experience. Critics say Pratt’s softer ICE stance may limit Latino appeal. Bass’s previous endorsement of Rick Caruso drew scrutiny; she later apologized and gained Avance Democratic Club support.
On-the-Ground Outreach
Recent events include Bass’s rally, Raman’s “hora feliz” in Boyle Heights, Pratt’s meet-and-greet at a Sherman Oaks house, and Huang’s pizza tables. Organizer Amy Quichiz called Huang’s approach a “validator” relationship.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Raman’s polling varies between 19 % (NY Post) and 20 % (Emerson College). Precise Latino turnout estimates for the primary are unavailable, and the effect of a possible Trump endorsement for Pratt is uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need a mayor who can communicate directly with the Spanish-speaking community,” — Albert Orozco, 24, Los Angeles voter
- “She fought so that our families would stay together.” — Nilza Serrano, president, Avance Democratic Club
- “If they’re legal or illegal, if they’re a danger — I want them off our streets, that’s what I said,” — Spencer Pratt, debate response
- “We’ve fought together for our schools, our streets, and our families ever since. ... That’s not something you build in a campaign — it’s earned, day by day.” — Karen Bass, campaign statement
What’s Next
The June 2 primary will select the two candidates for a November runoff. A possible Trump endorsement for Pratt, discussed in the White House, could reshape the race. Candidates will continue targeted Latino outreach through events, endorsements and Spanish ads.
