Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt has failed to secure a place in the runoff for Los Angeles mayor, losing to progressive city councilor Nithya Raman in the primary. Pratt, best known for his role on MTV's The Hills, had campaigned as an outsider criticising city leadership, but his lack of experience and Republican affiliation proved insurmountable in the Democratic stronghold.
Pratt, who lost his home in the Pacific Palisades wildfire, focused his campaign on frustrations over the disaster response, the cost-of-living crisis, and homelessness. He garnered attention through viral social media posts and an endorsement from Donald Trump, but ultimately secured only 25.8% of the vote. Raman will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in November.
Pratt has not conceded and has suggested without evidence that Raman rallied homeless voters. He broke a social media silence to post a photo of a duck, apparently referring to Bass as a 'lame duck'. Trump called the California primaries 'crooked', echoing unfounded voter fraud claims.
Despite tapping into widespread discontent—polls show most Angelenos believe the city is on the wrong track—Pratt's bid was hampered by his lack of government experience and his support for Trump, who is deeply unpopular in Los Angeles. The city has not had a Republican mayor since 2001.
