Trump Blasts 'Crooked' Los Angeles Primary Vote
U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to denounce the California primaries as 'crooked,' threatening 'great trouble' if Republicans are not included in November's general election. The outburst came after reality TV star and Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt was knocked into third place in the city's mayoral primaries, five days after polls closed.
'Has anybody been watching the CROOKED Election going on in California,' Trump wrote. '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!!!'
Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh from Arizona echoed Trump's sentiment on X, stating, 'It’s clear, California is incapable of running free and fair elections consistent with our Constitution that guarantees a republican form of government for states. Federalize the election.'
Sluggish Vote Count
Pratt, who initially led socialist Democrat Nithya Raman, now trails her by 0.4% after a swing of over 43,000 votes since election night. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass secured her spot in the run-off with 34.7% of the vote with 83% of ballots counted. California's vote count routinely extends beyond Election Day due to signature verification, processing mail-in ballots, and audits. Officials have up to 30 days to certify results.
California Left Works Against Pratt
Pratt has drawn criticism from California's left but gained popularity among Angelenos by challenging Bass on crime, homelessness, and her response to the L.A. wildfires, which destroyed Pratt's home. These issues are seen as weaknesses for Bass and other Democratic mayors. Pratt questioned the vote swing 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 about homelessness in L.A., adding, 'Probably nothing.'
