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Reality Star Spencer Pratt Announces Mayoral Run, Raises $600K

5/22/2026

27 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Spencer Pratt Runs

Former reality-TV star Spencer Pratt (42) announced his independent mayoral run on Jan. 7, 2025.
He has raised over $600,000, ten times Mayor Karen Bass’s amount.
Pratt’s AI videos went viral after U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk shared them.
He dubbed Mayor Bass “Karen Basura,” a nickname that sparked criticism.
Polls show Pratt neck-and-neck with councilmember Nithya Raman while trailing Bass, likely leading to a runoff.

Summary

Trump Backs Pratt

President Donald Trump praised Spencer Pratt as a “big MAGA person” and said he wants Pratt to succeed in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Mayor Karen Bass said she ignored President Donald Trump’s endorsement, called his immigration crackdown “egregious,” and warned that Pratt and Trump want ICE to “invade our city.”
Political analysts said President Donald Trump’s backing could limit Spencer Pratt’s appeal beyond a conservative base in the city.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 California recall removed Governor Gray Davis and installed actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won 48.6% of the vote (about 4.2 million ballots). His celebrity-driven victory showed that fame could translate into statewide power. The same pattern reappears in the 2024 Los Angeles mayoral race, where reality star Spencer Pratt, backed by former President Donald Trump, challenges incumbent Karen Bass and councilmember Nithya Raman.

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Spencer Pratt Runs

Former reality-TV star Spencer Pratt (42) announced his independent mayoral run on Jan. 7, 2025.
He has raised over $600,000, ten times Mayor Karen Bass’s amount.
Pratt’s AI videos went viral after U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk shared them.
He dubbed Mayor Bass “Karen Basura,” a nickname that sparked criticism.
Polls show Pratt neck-and-neck with councilmember Nithya Raman while trailing Bass, likely leading to a runoff.

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