Former reality television star Spencer Pratt's bid to become the next mayor of Los Angeles has ended. Pratt, best known for his role on The Hills, was defeated by hard-left Democrat Nithya Raman after additional votes were tallied following the June 2 primary. Raman will now face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November general election.
Pratt, a registered Republican, initially led Raman on election night but lost ground as mail-in ballots continued to be counted. California law allows postmarked ballots received up to seven days after the election to be counted, which shifted the results. By Sunday, Raman had gained a net 43,000 votes over Pratt.
Accusations of Cheating
Both Pratt and U.S. President Donald Trump accused California election officials of manipulating the vote. Trump posted on TruthSocial: 'Has anybody been watching the CROOKED Election going on in California? Two great Republican Candidates are being cheated, and so is America, which if the Dumocrats are able to fulfill their mission, great trouble and consternation will follow. Watch this Election closely!!!'
Pratt also voiced suspicions on X, writing: 'A net swing of more than 43,000 votes since Tuesday. 43,000, huh? Where have I seen that number before?' He shared a screenshot of an article titled 'Why are there so many Homeless People in LA' from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, adding sarcastically, 'Probably nothing.'
Pratt Rattled California's Left
Pratt gained popularity among Angelenos by criticizing Mayor Bass over rising crime rates, homelessness, and her response to the devastating L.A. wildfires, which destroyed Pratt's own home. These issues have become increasingly contentious in Democrat-led cities, where residents feel leaders are unwilling or unable to address them effectively.
Raman, a city council member, is seen as a more formidable challenge to Bass than Pratt would have been. The mayoral election is officially non-partisan, but Los Angeles is one of the bluest cities in America, with Democrats far outnumbering Republicans. Raman has campaigned well to the left of Bass, potentially splitting the progressive vote.
