Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star best known for his role on MTV's The Hills, has failed in his bid to become the next mayor of Los Angeles. Progressive city councillor Nithya Raman defeated Pratt in the primary, according to results called by the Associated Press. Raman will now face incumbent Karen Bass in the general election.
Pratt, who lost his home in the Pacific Palisades wildfire earlier this year, campaigned as an outsider criticising city leadership. He used social media to amplify grievances about the disaster response, the cost-of-living crisis, and homelessness. However, his lack of political experience and Republican affiliation in the heavily Democratic city proved insurmountable.
The candidate had been backed by Donald Trump, but the endorsement was seen as a hindrance. Los Angeles has not had a Republican mayor since Richard Riordan left office in 2001. Pratt dismissed concerns about his qualifications, stating on social media: 'I'm a lifelong Angeleno who's seen my home city waste away under poor leadership. THAT is my experience.'
Despite his online following and viral campaign ads, Pratt secured only 25.8% of the vote. He has not conceded, instead posting a photo of a duck on water, suggesting Bass is a 'lame duck'. Raman's victory sets up a contest between her progressive platform and Bass's more centrist approach to issues like homelessness and wildfire recovery.
