Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star, is ready to take on Mayor Karen Bass in a runoff election, shaking the foundations of Los Angeles politics. With about 48% of the vote counted, Bass leads with 36.65%, while Pratt trails at 29.55% and Raman at 20.79%.
Pratt spoke outside Don Antonio's Restaurant, exuding confidence as he addressed reporters about the early results. “I am ready for whatever God puts in front of me,” he declared.
His mood shifted from uncertainty to confidence as he stated, “I was going to be happy if I wasn't moving forward, but now I feel very confident.”
Pratt emphasized the next five months as crucial for assembling a formidable team if elected. “We have five months to build our team, show the experience I’m going to surround myself with and put together the best team this city could ever dream of,” he asserted.
He believes voters crave authenticity. “At the end of the day what’s been resonating is that people just want the truth and they want to know somebody’s heart,” Pratt said, positioning himself as a non-political candidate who speaks for the people.
“They want a fighter that’s going to step up when their elected leaders fail them and I’m ready to be that person for Los Angeles,” he added.
Raman, addressing her supporters, expressed gratitude for their backing, calling her campaign a serious contender despite initial doubts. She reiterated her vision for an affordable and accessible Los Angeles.
Bass, at her election night watch party, projected confidence, stating, “In a few hours, we will declare victory.” To avoid a runoff, she needed over 50% of the vote.
The election has been dominated by pressing issues: homelessness, public safety, affordability, government accountability, and recovery from the Palisades Fire.
Rick Taylor, a seasoned political consultant, noted that results may take 10 to 14 days due to mail-in ballots needing verification. “Forty-five to 50 percent of the votes are mailed in,” he explained.
Polling showed a tight race among Bass, Raman, and Pratt leading into Election Day, indicating a prolonged counting process ahead.
It’s been 21 years since an incumbent mayor faced a runoff after serving a first term. The last was in 2005 when Antonio Villaraigosa defeated James Hahn.
Taylor remarked on the challenges faced by incumbents in this election cycle. “Even 21 years ago, Mayor Hahn faced two very credible opponents,” he said.
Bass entered the race as the incumbent and early favorite after defeating billionaire developer Rick Caruso in 2022. She campaigned on her administration's efforts to tackle homelessness through the Inside Safe program and prepare for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
However, she spent much of her campaign defending her record against criticism regarding homelessness and public safety.
Raman emerged as Bass's most significant challenger from the left after entering the race in February. Her campaign focused on housing affordability and improving city services but faced scrutiny over homelessness policies.
Taylor criticized Raman's campaign performance. “Nithya Raman has disqualified herself from higher office,” he stated bluntly.
The biggest surprise has been Pratt's rise from novelty candidate to serious contender after losing his home in the Palisades Fire. His campaign gained traction online among voters disillusioned with traditional politicians.
Pratt's platform includes addressing homelessness, public safety, wildfire recovery, animal welfare, and government accountability. He argues that Los Angeles is in decline and needs radical change.
His momentum surged following a televised debate where he aggressively challenged both Bass and Raman on key issues. Taylor noted this debate was pivotal in shifting perceptions of Pratt.
The debate generated significant social media buzz and introduced Pratt to voters unfamiliar with his television background.
In the final weeks of campaigning, Pratt's social media presence exploded, with videos racking up hundreds of thousands of views and expanding his reach beyond traditional political circles.
What began as a long-shot candidacy has morphed into one of the election's dominant narratives amid ongoing concerns over homelessness and rising costs.
As of 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, 339,591 ballots had been cast in Los Angeles.
