Bass Advances in LA Mayor Race Amid Pratt Challenge

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass secured a spot in the November runoff election on Tuesday, falling short of an outright majority in a crowded primary field that included a progressive city council member and a Republican reality television personality. With roughly 63 percent of votes counted, Bass held about 35 percent, while Spencer Pratt trailed in second place with around 30 percent and Nithya Raman followed with 22 percent. California’s jungle primary system sends the top two finishers to the general election regardless of party.

Bass, the city’s first Black woman mayor and a former U.S. congresswoman, addressed supporters after the results came in. She thanked those who stood by her despite doubts and pledged to continue serving the city where she was born. Her campaign has centered on expanding affordable housing, confronting homelessness, and strengthening emergency services in the wake of last year’s devastating Palisades fire.

The fire destroyed Pratt’s mansion in Pacific Palisades and left large sections of the neighborhood in ruins. Pratt, known for his role on MTV’s The Hills, used the disaster to launch his candidacy, accusing city leaders of mismanaging the response. He has also criticized Bass over the city’s persistent homelessness crisis. Early returns positioned him as the likely second-place finisher, setting up a potential rematch in November. Pratt told reporters he welcomed the contest and was not overly concerned about facing the incumbent.

Raman, a Democratic Socialists of America-backed council member, appealed to younger progressive voters during the campaign. She argued that Bass had not moved aggressively enough on housing and homelessness. The contest between the two Democrats initially dominated attention before Pratt’s late surge drew national notice through provocative campaign videos and a combative debate performance.

The next mayor will confront a range of pressing challenges. Homelessness remains widespread across the nation’s second-largest city. Rising housing costs continue to strain residents. Los Angeles is also preparing to host the 2028 Olympics, which will require significant improvements in infrastructure and public safety. Bass has described the city as rebounding and has pointed to progress made during her first term, including new housing units brought online and coordinated efforts to clear encampments.

Bass entered office with high approval ratings after defeating billionaire developer Rick Caruso in 2022. Her background in community organizing, the state assembly, and Congress gave her a lengthy record on progressive priorities before she reached City Hall. If she wins in November, the term would be her last under city term limits.

Vote counting in Los Angeles often stretches over days or weeks because of heavy mail-in balloting. Final results could shift the order between Pratt and Raman, though Pratt maintained a steady lead in preliminary tallies. The runoff will test whether Bass can consolidate support among Democrats or whether frustration with city services will boost the outsider challenge.