The Brief

Los Angeles Mayoral Race Heads to Runoff as Nithya Raman Ousts Spencer Pratt

Progressive City Council member Nithya Raman advances to a November runoff against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, while reality TV star Spencer Pratt's campaign falters.

In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has advanced to a runoff election against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, following the June 2, 2026, primary. Raman secured her position by surpassing Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, whose campaign failed to gain sufficient support. Raman, a progressive urban planner and housing advocate, entered the mayoral race late, despite previously endorsing Bass for re-election. She has positioned herself as a progressive alternative, promising reforms on homelessness, housing, and city services. The race has potential historic implications, with Bass being the first Black woman mayor and Raman aiming to become the first South Asian woman in the role. Despite her late entry, Raman's campaign gained traction through her progressive platform and criticism of City Hall's alignment with powerful interests. However, her mixed messaging on policing and homelessness, along with wavering support from left-wing groups, have hindered her momentum. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, endorsed by major Democratic figures and labor unions, received less than 35% of the vote in early results, signaling vulnerability. Her flagship Inside Safe program has been criticized for being expensive and inefficient, and her reluctance to challenge stakeholder opposition has stifled reform. Spencer Pratt's campaign, which drew national attention due to his celebrity status and anti-establishment messaging, ultimately failed to deliver enough votes to make the runoff. His Republican identity and association with former President Trump limited his prospects in liberal-leaning Los Angeles. The runoff election, scheduled for November 3, 2026, will determine the next mayor of Los Angeles. This election reflects broader national political dysfunctions, with candidates representing a spectrum from disjointed leftism to ineffective centrism and incendiary populism. The outcome is unlikely to produce meaningful change for the city's homelessness and housing crises.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Progressive Nithya Raman advances to November runoff against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass — apnews.com
L.A.'s Lose-Lose-Lose Primary — theatlantic.com
"The rise and fall of 'The Hills' star Spencer Pratt's improbable campaign for Los Angeles mayor" — Associated Press
"L.A.'s Lose-Lose-Lose Primary" — The Atlantic
"2026 Los Angeles elections" — Wikipedia