Reality Star Spencer Pratt Ousted from L.A. Mayoral Race as Democrats Advance to General Election

Spencer Pratt, a former reality television personality, has concluded his campaign for mayor of Los Angeles, finishing third in a closely watched primary election. The results, which trended over several days of counting, saw Pratt ultimately bested by incumbent Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman. Both Bass and Raman will now proceed to the general election on November 3, 2023.

The initial vote counts on election night appeared to favour Pratt, with strong early results putting him in a commanding position. Nonetheless, as mail-in and late ballots were counted, Raman surged ahead, securing a spot in the upcoming election alongside Bass. As the Associated Press reported, with 93% of votes counted, Bass garnered approximately 34.3% of the total, followed closely by Raman at 28.6%, while Pratt managed to secure 25.8%.

Pratt, who gained fame as a reality TV star on MTV’s “The Hills,” had been vocal about his intentions to leave Los Angeles should either Bass or Raman emerge victorious in the election. Speaking on a podcast hosted by comedian Adam Carolla, Pratt expressed his disillusionment with the city’s political landscape, stating, “I will be done with trying to live in L.A.”

Running as a Republican, Pratt adopted an anti-establishment stance amidst a race dominated by experienced politicians. The 42-year-old sought to position himself as an outsider, claiming during interviews that he was “not a politician” and did not aspire to become one. Instead, he described himself as a “fighter for the people.” Throughout his campaign, he frequently critiqued both Bass and Raman for their handling of significant issues, including last winter’s wildfires, which had devastating consequences for his own home in the Pacific Palisades.

In a campaign advertisement that gained traction online, Pratt stood in front of an Airstream trailer that represented his temporary living situation after losing his home. He used this visual to lambast his opponents, suggesting their affluent lifestyles separated them from the realities faced by ordinary Angelenos. Bass, who resides in the Getty House—Los Angeles’ official mayoral residence—was specifically targeted with Pratt’s statements, as he accused her and Raman of residing in “multimillion-dollar homes” disconnected from the problems facing residents.

In addition to his criticism of the political establishment, Pratt showcased a rather unconventional approach to campaigning. Earlier in May, he claimed to have aspirations to earn a law degree before the election and likened his political rise to that of former President Barack Obama. “He had no experience running the whole entire country, which is way bigger than L.A.,” Pratt remarked, seemingly dismissing concerns over his own lack of political experience.

Voter perception appeared to weigh heavily on Pratt’s past as a reality television star, which he sought to distance himself from as his campaign progressed. He maintained that voters should focus on his current ambitions rather than his history, stating, “I don’t need to convince anybody about my past; I’m living in the present.”

On the campaign trail, Pratt gained notoriety for some of his more eccentric statements, including naming Jesus Christ as his political role model and sharing AI-generated videos depicting him as a superhero. As interest in his campaign grew, he received attention from notable figures, including former President Donald Trump, who expressed encouragement for Pratt’s candidacy. Despite this, Pratt publicly dismissed any expectation of seeking endorsements from political heavyweights, insisting, “I don’t need anyone’s endorsement but mothers’. That’s who’s getting me elected.”

Now that the primary election has concluded, Pratt’s future in Los Angeles politics appears uncertain, as he reflects on a campaign that ventured from the realms of reality television into the competitive landscape of city governance. With Bass and Raman moving forward, it remains to be seen how their contrasting visions will shape the future of Los Angeles and whether Pratt’s threats of relocation will come to fruition. The upcoming general election will undoubtedly be a key moment for both the city and its voters, as they weigh their options in a pivotal race.