Spencer Pratt has extended his lead over rival Nithya Raman in the closely contested race to become the next mayor of Los Angeles, though votes are still being tallied. Incumbent Democrat Mayor Karen Bass has advanced to the runoff election with 34.8 percent of the votes counted so far, while Pratt is edging into second place with 30.44 percent. City Councilwoman Raman, Pratt's left-leaning opponent, trails in third with just 22.32 percent. Approximately 63 percent of the votes have been counted.
Runoff Scenario Takes Shape
If any candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote from Tuesday's primary, they would become the new mayor of California's largest city outright. However, if no hopeful reaches that majority threshold, the top two finishers will face off in a head-to-head contest in November. Early counts indicate that registered Republican Pratt, 42, will likely challenge Bass, 72, who has led the city since 2022.
Pratt's Vision and Reaction
The reality TV star from The Hills expressed readiness to debate Bass. 'We can do debates every Friday if she would like,' he told reporters on Tuesday night. 'I got in this because I felt like my city failed myself, my neighbors,' he continued, painting a grim picture of Los Angeles and outlining his priorities, including aiding the homeless population. Pratt argued that he enjoys support from both Democrats and Republicans, summarizing his campaign as: 'I'm an Angeleno who said enough is enough, and I had to step up.' He added, 'I'm going to show everybody that I'm their mayor,' before concluding, 'I'm going to go get some tacos.'
Raman's Emotional Response
Raman burst into tears as early results showed her falling to a distant third place. The left-wing candidate wept on stage while paying tribute to her children, stating her campaign had been 'about building a city that is worthy of you.' Initially a front-runner, her support plummeted as she championed progressive policies such as raising taxes, maintaining Los Angeles' 'Sanctuary City' status, and opposing bans on homeless encampments near schools.
Bass's Record and Background
Bass acknowledged her tenure has had challenges but highlighted reductions in homelessness and a historically low homicide rate in the nation's second-most populous city. A former member of Congress, she is the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Los Angeles.
Pratt's Campaign Fueled by Personal Tragedy
Pratt's primary night party drew A-listers, including his wife, fellow reality TV star Heidi Montag. His campaign gained momentum after their $3 million home burned down in the 2025 Palisades Fire, channeling resident anger over the city's response to wildfires into a political platform. Pratt has pledged to combat the city's sprawling homeless encampments, blaming Bass for allowing them to proliferate. Like Donald Trump, he presents himself as a candidate who will dismantle bureaucracy and enact real change. He promises to streamline emergency response chains of command and reduce permit inefficiencies to help victims rebuild faster. Pratt also vows to hire more LAPD officers and adopt a treatment-first approach to homelessness.
Political Context
California has been a Democratic stronghold in recent years, but historically, it has had more Republican governors than Democratic ones in the past 60 years, the most recent being Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served from 2003 to 2011.
