The Brief

Los Angeles Mayoral Race Tightens as Nithya Raman Overtakes Spencer Pratt

Progressive City Council member Nithya Raman edges out reality TV star Spencer Pratt, setting up a November runoff against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

In a dramatic shift in Los Angeles' mayoral race, progressive City Council member Nithya Raman has narrowly overtaken former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, positioning herself for a November runoff against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. As of June 8, 2026, Raman leads Pratt by approximately 3,100 votes, a margin of 0.4 percentage points, with late-counted mail-in ballots tipping the scales in her favor. The primary election, held on June 3, 2026, saw Bass, a Democrat, leading with 48.5% of the vote. Raman, also a Democrat, secured 27.4%, while Pratt, a Republican, garnered 26.9%. The slim margin between Raman and Pratt underscores the competitive nature of the race, with both candidates now focusing on mobilizing their respective bases ahead of the November 5 runoff. Raman's campaign has been characterized by her progressive platform, emphasizing affordable housing, tenant rights, and social justice reforms. Her background as an urban planner and housing advocate has resonated with many voters seeking change in the city's approach to homelessness and housing affordability. However, her tenure on the City Council has been marked by challenges, including criticism over her stance on policing and homelessness. In 2022, she voted against a law restricting tents near schools and daycare centers, a decision that drew ire from constituents concerned about public safety. Pratt, known for his role in the reality TV series "The Hills," has positioned himself as a political outsider advocating for conservative solutions to the city's challenges. His campaign has focused on reducing government intervention, enhancing public safety, and addressing homelessness through stricter policies. Despite his celebrity status, Pratt's Republican affiliation has posed challenges in the predominantly Democratic city, limiting his appeal among liberal voters. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who assumed office in December 2022, has faced criticism over her handling of the city's housing crisis and homelessness. Her "Inside Safe" program, aimed at providing temporary housing for homeless individuals, has been described as expensive and inefficient, with limited success in reducing street homelessness. Bass's reluctance to challenge entrenched stakeholders has also been cited as a factor hindering meaningful reform. The upcoming runoff election is poised to be a pivotal moment for Los Angeles, with voters presented with starkly contrasting visions for the city's future. Raman's progressive agenda offers a comprehensive approach to social issues, while Pratt's conservative platform appeals to those seeking a shift towards traditional values and policies. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the candidates' campaigns, debates, and policy proposals to determine who will lead Los Angeles into the next chapter.

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

Sources

Nithya Raman and Spencer Pratt locked in tight race to make runoff for Los Angeles mayor — apnews.com
L.A.'s Lose-Lose-Lose Primary — theatlantic.com
"L.A.'s Lose-Lose-Lose Primary" — The Atlantic
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Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Budget - June 10, 2026 — YouTube · Metro Cable 14
Los Angeles Board of Fire Commissioners' Meeting 06/02/2026 — YouTube · Los Angeles Fire Commission
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Leading with Endorsements and Community Support | David Gevorkyan for Glendale City Treasurer — YouTube · David George Gevorkyan