Is Spencer Pratt a Contender in the Los Angeles Mayoral Race?
Spencer Pratt Enters Race for Los Angeles Mayor Amid Growing Concerns on City Management
Former "The Hills" star Spencer Pratt officially declared his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles in February, driven by frustration over the city’s response to the recent Palisades Fire. His announcement initially garnered little attention, with some speculating whether it was merely a stunt.
However, during a mayoral debate hosted by NBC and Telemundo Los Angeles on Wednesday night, Pratt made a notable impression. Presenting himself as a serious candidate, he emphasized his role as an outsider, distinguishing himself from established politicians like Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman.
"I’m an outsider coming in here because we’ve had enough politicians. We want common sense," Pratt stated during the debate.
Political analysts viewed Pratt, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, as a competent contender. Fernando Guerra, a political science professor at Loyola Marymount University, remarked, "I think as a winner, to some extent, Spencer Pratt did present himself. He came across very early as authentic."
Despite a reputation for provocative social media antics and flamboyant fashion choices, Pratt performed well in the debate, as noted by POLITICO’s Dustin Gardiner. "Spencer Pratt managed to come off more serious than I think a lot of people expected. You know, he’s famous for being a reality TV villain, so people might have expected more of a caricature, maybe a more sort of clownish appearance," Gardiner added.
Local resident McLean McGown expressed enthusiasm for Pratt’s insights, particularly regarding fire response and homelessness. "Something’s got to change, and that does not mean that’s a Democrat or a Republican issue. It is a human issue. And I think that’s what Spencer’s really driving home," she said.
An unscientific survey conducted by NBCLA indicated that more viewers felt Pratt had a successful evening compared to Bass and Raman. While Pratt’s debut as a mayoral candidate was promising, experts caution that sustaining support beyond Pacific Palisades and Malibu will be essential.
"He certainly didn’t speak to the east side of the city, the south side of the city, and I would even say the majority of the Valley from my perspective," Guerra pointed out.
Interviews with Boyle Heights voters revealed a lack of familiarity with Pratt, with many only recognizing his ties to reality television. Achieving victory will require him to broaden his appeal beyond his current base.
As of Thursday evening, NBCLA had attempted to contact Pratt’s campaign regarding plans to engage with voters in other parts of Los Angeles but had not received a response.
