Spencer Pratt, best known for his reality TV persona on “The Hills,” will not be moving into Los Angeles City Hall anytime soon. His bid for mayor officially ended in disappointment as he placed third in the city’s primary election, failing to advance to the November general election. With over 92.5% of expected votes counted, the race is now set between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who will face off on November 3.
Final Results Seal Pratt’s Fate
According to updated figures reported by NBC, Mayor Karen Bass leads the field with 34.3% of the vote, followed by Nithya Raman at 28.5%. Spencer Pratt trails closely behind with 25.8%, just shy of the second-place threshold needed to qualify for the runoff. In Los Angeles’ nonpartisan primary system, only the top two vote-getters advance, regardless of party affiliation. Despite a late surge in visibility and media attention, Pratt couldn’t close the gap.
The numbers reflect a city that, while intrigued by Pratt’s celebrity status, ultimately favored experienced public servants over political outsiders. Pratt’s campaign, which began with bold claims and viral moments, ended with a narrow but definitive loss. His elimination marks the end of one of the most unconventional mayoral runs in recent L.A. history—one that blended reality TV drama with real political aspirations.
A Campaign Fueled by Fame and Controversy
From the moment Pratt announced his candidacy in January, his campaign stood out—not for policy depth, but for its ability to generate headlines. A former reality star with no prior political experience, Pratt positioned himself as an anti-establishment figure fighting against government corruption and urban decay. His platform focused on cleaning up city streets, reducing homelessness through accountability measures, and overhauling what he called a “broken” city bureaucracy.
What set Pratt apart was not just his celebrity, but the high-profile attention his campaign attracted. Former President Donald Trump voiced support on Truth Social, calling Pratt a “great guy” and questioning the integrity of the election after early results showed Pratt falling behind. “This election is rigged,” Trump posted, echoing a familiar refrain but applying it to a local race that most former presidents typically ignore.
Other political figures also weighed in. Senator Ted Cruz shared a supportive message, while progressive icon Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) mocked the idea of a reality star running for mayor, calling it a “warning sign” about the state of American politics. The bipartisan commentary—ranging from endorsement to ridicule—highlighted how Pratt’s campaign became a cultural flashpoint as much as a political one.
Despite the noise, Pratt struggled to translate attention into votes. Analysts point to a lack of detailed policy proposals, limited grassroots organizing, and skepticism about his financial responsibility—especially after admitting he had spent nearly $10 million of his fortune in previous years. Comedian Kym Whitley even joked, “He wouldn’t be homeless if he saved that money,” referencing Pratt’s own claim that he was living “paycheck to paycheck” while campaigning.
Why Pratt’s Message Didn’t Resonate Citywide
While Pratt tapped into genuine frustrations about homelessness, public safety, and city cleanliness—issues that rank high for L.A. residents—his solutions often lacked specificity. He frequently attacked Mayor Bass, accusing her of inaction and mismanagement, but offered few concrete alternatives beyond broad promises to “get tough” and “hold people accountable.”
Political strategists note that celebrity candidates often struggle to make the leap from fame to governance. “Name recognition helps, but it’s not enough,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, a political science professor at UCLA. “Los Angeles voters want someone who understands municipal operations, has a track record, and can work across city departments. Pratt had none of that.”
Moreover, Pratt’s past behavior—documented over years of reality television—worked against him. Clips of confrontational moments, controversial statements, and on-screen feuds resurfaced during the campaign, giving opponents ammunition to question his temperament and judgment. While some voters saw him as a bold truth-teller, others viewed him as impulsive and unprepared for the complexities of city leadership.
His campaign events drew crowds, but mostly of curious onlookers and media crews rather than committed volunteers or neighborhood activists. In contrast, both Bass and Raman built strong coalitions with labor unions, community organizations, and local leaders—key ingredients for sustained political success in a city as diverse and decentralized as Los Angeles.
What’s Next for the L.A. Mayoral Race?
With Pratt out of the running, the general election will be a direct contest between Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman. Bass, a former Congresswoman and the city’s first female mayor, is running on her record of public service and crisis management, particularly during the pandemic and rising homelessness. Raman, a progressive favorite, has championed tenant protections, police reform, and sustainable urban development.
The runoff will likely hinge on turnout and coalition-building. Bass has broader name recognition and institutional support, while Raman energizes younger, progressive voters in central and eastern parts of the city. Pratt’s 25.8% of the vote suggests a significant bloc of voters dissatisfied with the status quo—whether they shift to Bass, Raman, or stay home in November could determine the outcome.
As for Pratt, he has not ruled out future political runs. In a February interview with TMZ, he confidently declared he would “crush” Bass in the race. Though that didn’t happen, he told supporters after the results: “This is just the beginning. The people want change, and I’ll keep fighting for them.”
Key Takeaways from the Primary
- Karen Bass and Nithya Raman will compete in the November 3 general election.
- Spencer Pratt finished third with 25.8% of the vote, missing the runoff by a narrow margin.
- His campaign drew national attention but lacked policy depth and grassroots infrastructure.
- High-profile endorsements came from Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, while AOC criticized the candidacy.
- Pratt’s run highlights the challenges celebrities face when transitioning to serious political office.
Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign may have ended in defeat, but it succeeded in sparking conversation about who gets to run for office, what voters value, and how fame intersects with democracy. While L.A. won’t see a reality star in the mayor’s office this time, the door remains open for new voices—even if they come from unexpected places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Spencer Pratt make it to the runoff?
Only the top two candidates in Los Angeles’ mayoral primary advance to the general election. Pratt finished third behind Karen Bass and Nithya Raman.
Did Spencer Pratt have any political experience before running?
No. Pratt is best known as a reality TV personality from “The Hills” and had no prior elected or appointed government roles.
Who supported Spencer Pratt’s campaign?
He received public support from former President Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz, among others.
Will Spencer Pratt run for office again?
He has not ruled it out. After the primary, he suggested he may run again in the future.
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