As the June 2nd California primary election approaches, the mayoral race in Los Angeles has intensified. Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star and media entrepreneur, is emerging as the latest candidate supported by a wave of celebrities and billionaires.
According to the latest poll from Emerson College, the incumbent mayor, Karen Bass, has a support rate of 30%, while Pratt’s support has risen to 22%, more than doubling from last month (10%). City Councilmember Nithya Raman follows in third place with a support rate of 19%.
It is worth noting that undecided voters, who accounted for over half of the total electorate back in March, have now decreased to 16%. This suggests that following the primary election on June 2nd, no candidate may secure a majority of votes. In that case, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November runoff.
Pratt’s house was destroyed in a major fire in Los Angeles last year. In his campaign ads, he criticizes the current city government’s mismanagement that led to catastrophic losses in the fire-ravaged community. He positions himself as a candidate who will fight for the interests of Angelenos, ensuring the city is ready for the spotlight again.
The main color theme of Pratt’s campaign website is black, complemented by a fireworks background. “I’m not a politician, I’m just a husband and father who had to watch my own home burn down because of a failed system,” he emphasizes. “We don’t need more government plans, we need common sense, accountability, and a mayor who will stand up for everyone.”
Public figures who have publicly endorsed Pratt include Houston-based prominent podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, reality TV personalities Kristin Cavallari, Audrina Patridge, and Brody Jenner.
American socialite and model Olivia Culpo, two-time Oscar-nominated actor James Woods, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a Latin dance champion from the popular show “Dancing with the Stars,” are also among those showing support.
Paris Hilton, heiress and entrepreneur of one of the world’s largest hotel chains, left a supportive comment for Pratt on social media. Jonathan ‘Foodgod’ Cheban, a friend of Kim Kardashian, stated that he would move back to Los Angeles if Pratt wins.
Renowned singer and actress Katharine McPhee personally performed at a fundraising event for Pratt’s campaign, praising him in a song: “You’re the best, better than the rest.”
On the other hand, some Hollywood celebrities are backing the incumbent mayor, Karen Bass, including “Star Wars” director JJ Abrams and La Toya Jackson, sister of Michael Jackson and actress.
Celebrities endorsing Nithya Raman include “Modern Family” creator Christopher Lloyd, former Obama speechwriting director Jon Favreau, and actors Adam Scott and Michael Schur.
In addition to Hollywood celebrities, Pratt’s supporters include super-rich individuals like Dan Loeb, founder of the prominent hedge fund Third Point Capital, former CEO of gaming giant Activision Blizzard Bobby Kotick, and cryptocurrency billionaires Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
Other notable supporters of Pratt comprise entertainment mogul Haim Saban and his philanthropist wife Cheryl Saban, NBA Los Angeles Lakers owner and principal shareholder Jeanie Buss, and Elliott Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Records.
Compared to newcomers, incumbent mayors usually have more resource advantages in elections. Pratt raised $540,000 from the beginning of the year until April 27th, slightly higher than Raman’s $530,000, while Bass raised $495,000 during the same period. However, Bass began fundraising in 2024 and, with public matching funds, she raised the most at $3.7 million.