Spencer Pratt’s Unconventional Push for Los Angeles Mayor Gains National Notice

Former reality‑TV personality Spencer Pratt has entered the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race, positioning himself as an outsider challenger to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and progressive councilwoman Nithya Raman. Pratt’s campaign relies on viral, internet‑first tactics, including power‑washing city sidewalks to spell out slogans such as “Imagine if the streets were this clean,” and producing AI‑generated video ads that have attracted both praise and criticism from media and Hollywood figures.

Pratt argues that Los Angeles’ chronic homelessness is largely a drug‑addiction issue and proposes mandatory treatment, rapid encampment clearance and tighter law‑enforcement. He cites the destruction of his own home in a 2025 wildfire as a personal catalyst for seeking office. Polls released a week before the June 2 primary show him trailing Bass but ahead of Raman, with support reported at roughly 22 percent and fundraising of about $2.7 million, nearly matching Bass’s totals.

The campaign has drawn sharp rebukes from public personalities, notably game‑show host Drew Carey, who labeled Pratt a “serial scammer” on social media. Left‑leaning commentators have also accused him of trying to portray the city’s “filth” as a political billboard. Nevertheless, Pratt’s unconventional messaging continues to generate significant online buzz, making his candidacy a focal point of discussion on how celebrity and viral media intersect with local politics.