On Thursday's episode of The View, co-hosts Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin expressed strong disapproval of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, a former reality television star. Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the discussion by stating she would 'welcome anybody' if they were competent, but quickly added a jab at President Donald Trump, saying, 'But if you're going to be like the guy who's already in charge, thank you, no.'
Behar and Hostin Question Pratt's Qualifications
Behar immediately interjected, 'Why him?' as Hostin nodded in agreement. However, right-leaning panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin noted that Pratt had appeared on the show in January and seemed 'compassionate.' Griffin added, 'And has an interesting story to tell because I talk to my sister who lives in Los Angeles: people were devastated by the wildfires and frustrated with their leadership, and I applaud anyone getting their hat in the ring.'
Pratt, 42, gained fame on MTV's The Hills and is running as a Republican. He previously appeared on The View to discuss losing his $2.5 million Pacific Palisades home to the wildfires, a disaster for which his opponent, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, has faced criticism. Griffin acknowledged that Pratt faces an 'uphill' battle given his reality TV background.
Griffin Points to Bass's Wildfire Response
Griffin argued that Bass's 'disastrous' wildfire response could help Pratt's chances. Behar shot back sarcastically, noting that Bass 'has a JFK Profile in Courage Award' while Pratt was 'Snapchatter of the Year at the 2018 Shorty Awards,' drawing applause. Hostin supported Behar, saying, 'Well, I mean, I think you're talking about qualifications, right? The problem that I have with someone like Spencer Pratt throwing his hat into this particular ring as LA mayor, we're talking about a $14.9 billion budget for the city. It's the second-largest city budget in the country, and he is not qualified for it. And we see what happens when people are not qualified for their jobs.'
Hostin Criticizes Pratt's Comparison to Obama
Hostin also targeted Pratt's recent interview with NBC Los Angeles, where he defended his lack of political experience by comparing himself to Barack Obama. Hostin noted that Obama was a civil rights attorney and Harvard Law Review president before becoming a senator. 'Oh, please,' Behar quipped. Hostin then addressed Pratt directly: 'You don't have the same experience. You don't have a law degree from Harvard Law School. You were not a senator. And there are baby steps you can take — like, why not run for city council and learn about the city budget? And then maybe become president of the city council and then maybe become the mayor.'
Griffin pushed back, saying, 'My thing is this... I will take on an outsider if they're passionate and involved in the community.' Hostin interjected, 'And not qualified?' Griffin responded, 'I don't think a law degree makes you more qualified.' However, she conceded that Pratt's comparison to Obama was 'absurd.' Hostin retorted, 'He's absurd! He's an absurdity.' The segment ended with Goldberg calling the mayoral role 'a really hard job.'
Homelessness and Wildfire Response Key Issues
Homelessness remains a defining issue under Bass, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. By the end of 2025, thousands more residents were displaced by wildfires, including Pratt. Bass has faced criticism for cutting fire department resources and downplaying the city's lack of preparedness. She was also in Ghana during a presidential inauguration when the wildfires occurred. Bass has been mayor since 2022.
A recent Emerson College poll shows Pratt gaining ground, with Bass leading at 30 percent and Pratt at 22 percent, a 2-point increase from March, placing him ahead of local Councilmember Nithya Raman.
