Bass and Pratt Lead in Los Angeles Mayor Race, Runoff Expected
9 verified6 unconfirmed
Incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass leads early returns with about 36% of the vote in the city’s mayoral primary, followed by reality TV star Spencer Pratt at about 29% and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in third. Because Bass did not exceed 50%, the race will proceed to a November runoff between the top two finishers. Pratt, a former star of MTV’s “The Hills,” has challenged Bass to weekly debates during the runoff campaign. Both sources report that Pratt’s campaign gained momentum from public anger over the city’s response to wildfires and homelessness. Raman entered the race late and ran a brief campaign focused on a progressive vision. Pratt’s election-night party excluded reporters, a break from usual campaign tradition.
What’s verified
Incumbent Karen Bass led early returns with about 36% of the vote.
Spencer Pratt was in second place with about 29%.
Nithya Raman was in third place.
The race will go to a November runoff because Bass did not receive more than 50% of the vote.
Pratt challenged Bass to weekly debates.
Pratt is a former star of MTV’s “The Hills.”
Pratt’s campaign excluded reporters from covering his election-night party.
Pratt gained momentum from anger over the city’s response to wildfires and homelessness.
Raman entered the race late and ran a brief campaign.
Not yet confirmed
The Palisades fire destroyed Pratt’s house, according to one report.
Bass touted a 17.5% decline in street homelessness, according to one report.
All three candidates support an unlimited state film tax incentive, according to one report.
Pratt appeared on Fox News, according to one report.
Bass called Pratt a “TV reality star villain,” according to one report.
Pratt received an endorsement from Donald Trump, according to one report.
Key figures
Karen Bass (incumbent mayor), Spencer Pratt (reality TV star candidate), Nithya Raman (city councilwoman), Rae Huang (socialist candidate)
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
