Reality TV Villain Spencer Pratt Emerges as Unlikely L.A. Mayoral Contender

Spencer Pratt, best known for his role on MTV’s *The Hills*, has become an unlikely frontrunner in Los Angeles’ mayoral race, leveraging his celebrity status and social media savvy to challenge incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Pratt’s campaign has surged after the January 2025 Palisades fire destroyed his home, fueling his confrontational stance against City Hall, which he has described as a “dystopian hellscape” plagued by drug-addicted “zombies.” He has vowed to implement a “scorched-earth” policy against those obstructing his vision for addressing homelessness, a stance that has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump’s political style. Pratt’s fundraising efforts have outpaced rivals, with major donations from Democratic megadonor Haim Saban and Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge. Despite being a registered Republican, he has avoided overt party alignment, emphasizing the nonpartisan nature of the race. His campaign has gained traction in polls, with a strong chance of securing a top-two finish in the June 2 primary, potentially advancing to a runoff in November. Pratt’s rhetoric has been sharply critical of Bass, whom he frequently refers to as *basura* (Spanish for garbage), and her supporters as “Bassholes.” He has also targeted Councilmember Nithya Raman’s backers, labeling them “Ramaniacs.” His past appearances on far-right outlet Infowars, including interviews with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, have resurfaced, raising concerns about his alignment with fringe political views. Political strategists describe Pratt as a strategic outsider with strong social media skills, capable of mobilizing a base that might otherwise support candidates like developer Rick Caruso, who lost to Bass in 2022. Trump has offered public support, calling Pratt a “big MAGA person,” while Pratt himself has downplayed his party affiliation, focusing instead on his populist critique of L.A.’s governance. Pratt’s campaign marks a shift from his reality TV persona, as he seeks to rebrand himself as a credible political figure. However, his confrontational style and ties to controversial figures continue to dominate the race, making his rise a defining moment in L.A.’s political landscape.