Full Breakdown
Trump Signals Support for Reality Star Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles Mayoral Race
5/24/2026, 11:02:12 AM
Core Event: Trump’s Pseudo-Endorsement and Immediate Fallout
On May 20, former President Donald Trump told reporters he “would like to see” Spencer Pratt “do well” in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, adding that Pratt is “a big MAGA person.” The comment, made less than two weeks before the June 2 primary, was reported by multiple outlets and prompted rapid responses from Pratt’s opponents and media commentators.
Background & Context: Pratt’s Candidacy and Party Positioning
Spencer Pratt, a former “The Hills” personality, entered the race as an independent community advocate while remaining a registered Republican since 2020. He has repeatedly emphasized that he “hates politicians” and claims no party label appears on the ballot. The contest pits Pratt against incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman, both of whom have framed Pratt’s campaign as aligned with the MAGA movement.
Data & Statistics: Polls, Voter Turnout, and Party Base
- Mail-in ballots cast by May Friday: 333,000 (up from 321,000 in 2022).
- Cygnal poll of 500 likely voters: 22 % support for Pratt, 25 % for Bass, 18 % for Raman.
- 65 % of Democratic respondents said a Trump/MAGA link made them less likely to vote for Pratt; 59 % said his reality-TV background had the same effect.
- Overall, 24 % said the Trump tie increased their likelihood to vote for Pratt, while 50 % said it decreased it.
- Republican-registered voters comprise roughly 20 % of the Los Angeles electorate, limiting the base for a candidate positioned as “big MAGA.”
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s remarks were framed as a personal preference rather than a formal endorsement. Pratt responded on X, asserting he is “not part of a political party, because I hate politicians,” and emphasizing his focus on public safety. Councilmember Raman posted the Trump clip on social media, labeling Pratt a “big MAGA person.” Bass’s campaign has not issued a direct statement but is reported to view a runoff against Pratt as strategically favorable given the city’s Democratic lean.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents have repeatedly described Pratt as a “MAGA Republican” in attack ads. Drew Carey, host of *The Price Is Right*, called Pratt “a serial scammer without a soul or moral compass.” Erika Kirk, a conservative activist, defended Pratt’s unconventional ads, while other critics argue his lack of political experience disqualifies him from leading a major city.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'd like to see him do well. He's a character. I don't know him. I assume he probably supports me,” — Donald Trump, former President
- “Everyone is trying to claim me for their tribe. There’s no R next to my name, there’s no D next to my name,” — Spencer Pratt, mayoral candidate
- “Anyone who votes for, or endorses Spencer Prattfall for Mayor of LA needs to get their head out of their ass,” — Drew Carey, comedian
- “His campaign ads are unconventional, but that’s the point; it’s refreshing.” — Erika Kirk, activist
- “I’m not part of a political party, because I hate politicians.” — Spencer Pratt, X post
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Trump’s comment constitutes an endorsement; Steve Bannon noted Trump avoided a formal endorsement to protect Pratt’s chances, while other outlets treat the remarks as an implicit backing. Pratt’s self-identification as independent conflicts with his Republican registration, creating ambiguity for voters. Polling data vary, with some trackers showing Pratt trailing Bass by a wider margin than the Cygnal poll indicates.
What’s Next: Primary, Runoff, and Campaign Outlook
The June 2 primary will determine the top two vote-getters; if no candidate exceeds 50 % of the vote, a runoff is scheduled for November 3. Analysts suggest the Trump tie may depress Democratic turnout for Pratt while offering limited gains among the city’s modest Republican base. Campaigns continue to mobilize mail-in voters and target key demographics, notably the city’s 37 % Latino electorate, as the race approaches its decisive stages.
