Reality television personality Spencer Pratt, who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, finished third in the June 2, 2026, Los Angeles mayoral primary, failing to advance to the November runoff. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass led with approximately 34.3% of the vote, followed by progressive City Councilmember Nithya Raman with 28.5-29%. Pratt garnered around 25.5-25.8%, according to final tallies.
Pratt held an early lead on election night based on in-person and initial results, but mail-in and provisional ballots counted in subsequent days shifted the outcome, allowing Raman to overtake him for the second spot. This pattern of late-counted ballots has fueled questions about election transparency and processes in California, where vote-by-mail is widely used.
Trump publicly supported Pratt’s campaign and later encouraged him to challenge aspects of the results, citing concerns over the delayed counting and final tallies. Pratt initially expressed frustration but ultimately conceded while announcing continued activism on issues such as homelessness, crime, and the city’s response to the 2025 Palisades Fire. His platform emphasized criticism of progressive policies under Bass and a push for stronger law-and-order approaches.
The primary outcome sets up a November runoff between Bass and Raman, both Democrats, in the heavily Democratic city. Bass, seeking re-election, faced criticism over public safety and housing challenges, while Raman campaigned from the left on affordability and progressive reforms.
The race drew national attention due to Pratt’s celebrity profile and Trump’s involvement, highlighting divisions within Los Angeles politics. Election officials maintained that the counting process followed standard procedures and that results were accurate. However, the shift in standings after election night has prompted calls from some conservatives for greater scrutiny and potential reforms to improve timeliness and public confidence in local elections.
As Los Angeles grapples with ongoing issues including homelessness, crime, and economic recovery, the November contest will likely focus on contrasting visions for the city’s future. Pratt’s third-place finish underscores the challenges faced by Republican-aligned candidates in deep-blue urban centers, even amid voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Spencer Pratt Falls Short in Los Angeles Mayoral Primary After Late Ballot Count
