Full Breakdown
Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid Turns Los Angeles Race Into Celebrity Showdown
5/28/2026, 10:54:34 AM
The Race Takes Shape
Spencer Pratt, a former reality-TV star, entered the nonpartisan Los Angeles mayoral race on Jan 7 2025, the anniversary of the 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfire that destroyed thousands of homes. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass seeks re-election; a June 2 primary will decide the top two candidates for a possible November runoff.
Background & Context
The 2025 Palisades fire killed 12 people, razed about 7,000 structures and sparked criticism of Mayor Karen Bass for traveling abroad during the blaze and for earlier Cuba trips she framed as cultural exchanges. Pratt, whose home was lost, says the disaster exposed city-wide negligence; councilmember Nithya Raman has also positioned herself as a reform candidate.
Timeline
- Jan 7 2025 – Pratt announces candidacy at a “They Let Us Burn” rally.
- May 21 2025 – Bass says reality-TV fame does not qualify one for mayor.
- May 23 2025 – Dennis Quaid endorses Pratt at a veteran awards gala.
- June 2 2026 – Primary election.
Data & Statistics
Polls show Bass leading with 25-35 % support, Pratt second at 22-27 %, Raman third at 16-23 %. Pratt has raised $2.72 million versus Bass’s $283 000. Prediction markets give Bass a 96 % chance to advance and Pratt 79 %.
Official Statements & Responses
Bass said reality-TV experience does not qualify a candidate to manage Los Angeles’s $14 billion budget. Pratt called his campaign a prayer to God to “destroy the demonic entities” in the current administration. City officials have not commented on his water-system lawsuit.
Criticism & Opposition
Rinna called the race a “Hollywood clown show.” Carey called Pratt “a serial scammer without a soul.” Stephanie Pratt first called his bid “a vote for stupidity,” then retracted the comment. Several entertainers urge voters to reject him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list Pratt as a registered Republican, yet his campaign filings label him an independent. Former President Trump called him “a big MAGA person,” a description Pratt has publicly denied, creating uncertainty about his ideological stance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Go Spencer Pratt,” — Dennis Quaid, Actor
- “I’d like to see him do well. He’s a character. I heard he’s a big MAGA person.” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “Mayor should not be your first job. The mayor of L.A. is in charge of a $14 billion annual budget. Spencer Pratt is not the person who should be in charge of it. In 2011, Spencer Pratt and his wife intentionally blew through all their money on purpose. They bought an armored truck. They bought half a million dollars' worth of Birkin handbags. They bought $1 million of rose quartz. … He bought a monster truck. They spent all their money — they spent $10 million because they believed the world was about to end in a Mayan apocalypse. And then when there wasn’t the Mayan apocalypse, they had no money and had to move into Spencer’s parents’ house. That’s the guy 22 percent of you want to be mayor of Los Angeles when the Olympics come to town.” — Jimmy Kimmel, Comedian
- “I’m cool with Crips and Bloods,” — Spencer Pratt, Candidate
- “I understand being angry/unsatisfied, but at least get behind someone competent and not some serial scammer without a soul or moral compass.” — Drew Carey, TV Host
Why It Matters
Los Angeles runs the nation’s second-largest economy and a $14 billion municipal budget. The contest tests whether celebrity appeal can outweigh political experience as the city grapples with homelessness, wildfire preparedness, and public-safety funding.
What’s Next
The June 2 primary will decide the two candidates for a November runoff. Both campaigns plan further debates, fundraising drives, and outreach as the city’s budget and safety reforms dominate the final weeks.
