Los Angeles Mayoral Primary Highlights Homelessness as Key Issue
4 verified6 unconfirmed
Voters in Los Angeles went to the polls Tuesday for the city’s nonpartisan mayoral primary, with homelessness emerging as the dominant concern across the electorate. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass faces challenges from City Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality television star Spencer Pratt, who is running as an independent despite being a registered Republican. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff. Bass has secured endorsements from high-profile Democrats but remains deeply unpopular among voters, with polls showing her approval rating well below 40 percent. Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has struggled to consolidate the left wing and has seen her odds of winning drop after a widely panned debate performance. Pratt, known for his role on The Hills, has attracted support from voters frustrated with the city’s direction, particularly on homelessness and public safety. The election results will determine whether Bass can secure a second term or whether one of her challengers will force a competitive general election.
What’s verified
The Los Angeles mayoral primary occurred on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The three main candidates are incumbent Mayor Karen Bass (Democrat), City Councilmember Nithya Raman (socialist/DSA), and independent candidate Spencer Pratt (registered Republican).
Homelessness is repeatedly cited by voters and analysts as the top issue in the race.
If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the November general election.
Not yet confirmed
Specific voter quotes and candidate preferences reported by a single source include several residents who supported or criticized individual candidates.
Detailed claims about Raman’s debate performance, her past statements on police funding, and her social-media strategy appear in only one source.
The effectiveness and cost of Bass’s Inside Safe program are described in only one source.
Pratt’s background and personal finances are detailed in only one source.
Endorsement breakdowns and internal DSA chapter dynamics are reported by only one source.
Questions not answered by any source: Which two candidates will actually advance, and whether any candidate will surpass 50 percent to win outright.
Key figures
Karen Bass – Incumbent Mayor of Los Angeles (Democrat)
Nithya Raman – Los Angeles City Councilmember (Democratic Socialists of America)
Spencer Pratt – Reality television personality and independent candidate (registered Republican)
Shelley Zuckerman – Voter quoted in one source
Saul Zuckerman – Voter quoted in one source
Patrick Reynolds – Voter quoted in one source
Diane – Voter quoted in one source
Dan Madden – Voter quoted in one source
Garry South – L.A. political consultant quoted in one source
Scott Epstein – Policy and research director of Abundant Housing LA quoted in one source
Fernando Guerra – Political scientist at Loyola Marymount University quoted in one source
Sources: foxnews.com, theatlantic.com
