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With more than 60 percent of ballots counted, Spencer Pratt delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 election cycle. The former MTV star finished second in the Los Angeles mayoral primary on June 2 and will face incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November runoff.
Pratt captured roughly 30.4 percent of the vote so far. Bass led with about 34.8 percent but fell short of the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff. City Councilmember Nithya Raman trailed in third with around 22.3 percent.
LA Mayoral Primary Results at a Glance
Here are the latest figures with approximately 63 percent of votes tallied:
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Karen Bass (incumbent) | 172,720 | 34.8% |
| Spencer Pratt | 151,149 | 30.4% |
| Nithya Raman | 110,848 | 22.3% |
The Associated Press and multiple outlets have projected that Bass and Pratt will advance to the November 3 general election. No candidate cleared the majority threshold required to win outright.
Pratt’s Personal Stake and Rapid Rise
Spencer Pratt, 42, first gained fame as the sharp-tongued villain on MTV’s The Hills. He married co-star Heidi Montag and built a large social media following. His entry into politics felt improbable to many — until the Palisades Fire changed everything.
The devastating 2025 wildfire destroyed Pratt’s Pacific Palisades home. On the one-year anniversary, January 7, 2026, he announced his candidacy for mayor. What started as a long-shot bid quickly gained traction.
Pratt hammered issues that resonated with frustrated voters: homelessness, crime, and the city’s wildfire preparedness. He promised zero encampments, increased police funding, and mandatory drug treatment programs. His fiery debate performances, especially the May 6 showdown, helped fuel his late surge in the polls.
Voter Anger That Lifted the Outsider
Los Angeles faces roughly 75,000 unhoused residents and ongoing concerns about theft and public safety. Many voters expressed exhaustion with the status quo under Bass’s first term.
Pratt positioned himself as the anti-establishment alternative in a heavily Democratic city. His message cut through, particularly among independents and Republicans who turned out strongly. Early polls showed him in the low teens. By primary day he had climbed into the low 30s in actual returns.
Supporters celebrated the result as a clear rebuke. On election night Pratt told reporters he “literally could not be more excited.” Crowds swarmed him as the numbers came in.
Celebrity Energy Meets Political Reality
Pratt’s campaign drew an unusual mix of entertainment-world support and conservative backing. Endorsements rolled in from figures like Joe Rogan, Dennis Quaid, Rob Schneider, and several castmates from his reality TV days. His wife, Heidi Montag, stood firmly by his side throughout.
The crossover appeal turned the race into national water-cooler talk. Clips of Pratt’s debate moments and election-night reactions spread quickly across social platforms. For a city that loves its celebrities, the idea of “Spencer Pratt for Mayor” stopped feeling like a punchline and started looking like a genuine threat.
What Happens Next in the November Runoff
Bass remains the favorite in most November matchup polling, but Pratt has momentum and a clear lane to consolidate voters unhappy with city leadership. The runoff will likely focus on the same flashpoints: homelessness solutions, public safety, and recovery from recent wildfires.
Pratt has already signaled he will keep the pressure on. His team views the strong primary showing as proof that Los Angeles voters want a different approach. Bass, meanwhile, will lean on her experience and argue that her administration has made measurable progress despite inherited challenges.
Mail ballots and late-counted votes could shift the final primary margins slightly, but the runoff matchup appears locked in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Spencer Pratt win the LA mayoral primary?
No single candidate won outright. Pratt finished second and advances to the November runoff against Karen Bass.
When is the LA mayoral runoff election?
The runoff is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
What were Spencer Pratt’s main campaign issues?
Homelessness (zero encampments), crime reduction, increased police funding, mandatory drug treatment, and stronger wildfire preparedness and recovery.
Why did Karen Bass fail to win outright?
She received under 50 percent of the vote, triggering the city’s runoff rules. It marks the first time a sitting Los Angeles mayor has faced a runoff since 2005.
