Nithya Raman, a progressive Democrat on the Los Angeles city council, has secured the second spot in the city's mayoral race, defeating reality TV star Spencer Pratt. She will now face incumbent mayor Karen Bass in the November election. Raman entered the race hours before the deadline in February, just weeks after endorsing Bass for re-election.
Raman, an urban planner, cited a city at a 'breaking point' over homelessness and housing shortages. Her campaign drew comparisons to New York's Zohran Mamdani, another democratic socialist. She first gained prominence in 2020 by unseating an incumbent Democrat backed by Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton.
Pratt, known for MTV's The Hills, lost his home in the January wildfires and became a vocal critic of Bass's response. His viral campaign focused on wildfire frustrations, the cost-of-living crisis, and homelessness. Despite gaining traction with voters, his lack of government experience and past Republican registration proved obstacles. An endorsement from Donald Trump was seen as a hindrance in the heavily Democratic city.
As votes were counted, Pratt suggested without evidence that Raman's lead came from votes by unhoused residents. Raman, in her election night speech, warned of a 'Maga machine' trying to buy a foothold in Los Angeles. She now faces a tough battle against Bass, who has support from major unions and much of the city's liberal base.
