Los Angeles’s mayoral contest remained unsettled on Wednesday evening as the city awaited the final outcome of Tuesday’s primary. Incumbent Karen Bass led the vote but, with less than 50% of the total, she will face either former reality TV star Spencer Pratt or city council member Nithya Raman in November’s general election.
With more than 60% of votes counted, Pratt had secured just under 30%, while Raman had nearly 23%. In California, where mail-in voting is common, final results may take days or weeks.
Bass, who made history as the first woman to lead Los Angeles in 2022, addressed voters on Tuesday, pledging to tackle homelessness and build more housing. She described LA as a “rebounding city” and vowed to build on progress made over the last three and a half years.
Pratt, a registered Republican who rose to fame on the MTV show The Hills, appeared ready for a runoff. “We can do debates every Friday if she would like,” he said. Critics have pointed to his lack of political experience, but Pratt has brushed off concerns, citing his lifelong residency in LA.
Raman urged patience, telling supporters: “Many thousands of votes will be counted in the days ahead, and we may not get an answer we like.” The race took a turn in its final weeks as Pratt made substantial gains in polling, sparking national attention with controversial campaign videos.
The next mayor will face challenges including homelessness, revitalising Hollywood, and shoring up emergency response after last year’s deadly wildfires. Bass faced criticism for being in Ghana when the fires broke out, a trip she later called a “mistake”. Her approval ratings fell, and she sacked the fire chief.
