With just weeks until Los Angeles voters decide their next mayor, the race has been shaken up by former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. The Hills star, 42, once considered a longshot candidate, is now on the heels of incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, whom he blames for 'burning down' his $3 million home by mismanaging the 2025 Palisades Fire.
From Reality TV to Political Contender
Pratt, best known for his role on the MTV reality series The Hills, initially entered the mayoral race as a celebrity fringe candidate. However, his campaign gained significant traction following the devastating Palisades Fire in 2025, which destroyed his Pacific Palisades residence. Pratt has since made fire safety and disaster management central to his platform, criticizing Mayor Bass for what he describes as gross negligence in handling the crisis.
A Shift in Polling
Recent polls show Pratt narrowing the gap with Bass, a Democrat and former U.S. Representative who has held the mayor's office since 2022. The fire, which burned over 20,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes, has become a defining issue in the election. Pratt has used his celebrity status to amplify his message, holding rallies and appearing in viral social media posts that highlight the destruction of his neighborhood.
Political analysts note that while Pratt lacks traditional political experience, his outsider appeal and ability to connect with voters frustrated with city governance could lead to a major upset. Bass, meanwhile, has defended her administration's response to the fire, pointing to federal aid and new fire prevention measures.
The election, scheduled for November, is expected to be closely watched as a bellwether for celebrity influence in politics. Pratt's rise from reality TV star to serious contender underscores the shifting dynamics of modern political campaigns.
