# LA Mayoral Runoff: Bass vs. Raman set for November > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/escalating-campaign-dynamics-and-highprofile-endorsements-shape-the-2026-los-angeles-mayoral-contest > Updated: 2026-08-20T18:15:21.000Z. Sources: 222. Developments: 57. The Los Angeles mayoral race has moved to a November 3 runoff between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman. In the June 2 primary, Bass led with approximately 34–37% of the vote, while Raman secured second place by narrowly overtaking Republican challenger Spencer Pratt. Pratt, a former reality-TV star, finished third with roughly 25–26% of the vote. Pratt’s campaign was defined by high-visibility, unconventional tactics, including AI-generated superhero ads and viral videos criticizing city spending and the administration’s response to the 2025 Palisades fire. His candidacy drew national attention, including comments from Donald Trump and Jimmy Kimmel, and was marked by allegations of election irregularities that federal officials and the DOJ refuted. Following his loss, Pratt announced a “war” to expose alleged political corruption and filed a lawsuit against the city regarding the wildfire. The runoff pits Bass’s coalition of labor unions, business leaders, and Black voters against Raman’s progressive base. Key issues include the city’s homelessness crisis—which saw a 3.4% rise in the 2026 count—and the recovery from recent wildfires. Bass has faced scrutiny over the $400 million Inside Safe program and municipal budget deficits, while Raman emphasizes housing equity and social services. The election will also occur amid debates over local tax policies and the city’s preparations for the 2028 Olympics. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass caught in fabricated polling scandal Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's campaign inadvertently amplified a fabricated poll from an obscure entity called Median Strategies, which later admitted the data was part of a social experiment. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-caught-in-fabricated-polling-scandal ### 2026-07-26: Los Angeles homelessness count rises to 73,000 in 2026 2026 Los Angeles homeless count rose to 73,000 countywide, with mayor blaming federal cuts and higher living costs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-homelessness-count-rises-to-73000-in-2026 ### 2026-07-25: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces reelection challenge as homeless count rises LA Mayor Karen Bass’s reelection is in jeopardy after a 2026 homeless count showed a 3.4% citywide rise and a 7.9% jump in unsheltered people, eroding her claim of reduced homelessness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-homeless-count-rises-challenging-mayor-karen-basss-bid ### 2026-07-23: Los Angeles homelessness count rises 3.4% amid mayoral race 2026 LA homeless count rose 3.4% citywide, unsheltered up ~8%, intensifying criticism of Mayor Karen Bass ahead of her re‑election bid. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-homelessness-rises-challenging-mayor-karen-bass-reelection-bid ### 2026-07-08: Spencer Pratt meets President Trump in Oval Office and launches WAR Foundation Former LA mayoral candidate and reality TV star Spencer Pratt met President Trump in the Oval Office and announced the WAR Foundation, a new media group, after finishing third in the mayoral primary amid a DOJ‑ 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-meets-president-trump-in-oval-office-and-launches-war-foundation ### 2026-07-02: Karen Bass Leads Los Angeles Mayoral Runoff Amid Campaign Shakeup and Fraud Allegations Mayor Karen Bass leads the Los Angeles runoff despite a campaign manager swap and faces multiple fraud allegations involving homelessness funds and voting claims. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karen-bass-leads-los-angeles-mayoral-runoff-amid-campaign-shakeup-and-fraud-allegations ### 2026-06-29: Spencer Pratt Los Angeles mayoral bid draws national attention Reality star Spencer Pratt ran for Los Angeles mayor in 2026, raising $2.7 million and focusing on wildfire recovery and homelessness; he finished third in the primary behind incumbent Karen Bass and councilor 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-los-angeles-mayoral-bid-draws-national-attention ### 2026-06-26: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces fire department funding backlash and proposed sales‑tax measure Mayor Karen Bass cut LAFD funding, sparking a union‑backed 0.5% sales‑tax ballot measure and criticism, including from Spencer Pratt who called her ‘soulless goblin’. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-faces-fire-department-funding-backlash-and-proposed-salestax-measure ### 2026-06-26: Spencer Pratt alleges federal fraud probe into Los Angeles homeless NGO Spencer Pratt says a federal probe into Los Angeles nonprofit Weingart Center uncovered alleged fraud, waste and a $16 million property deal, with court rejecting the nonprofit’s dismissal attempts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-post-mayoral-campaign-fuels-tv-show-talk-and-fraud-probe-allegations ### 2026-06-26: Donald Trump declares Los Angeles mayoral race rigged and backs Spencer Pratt Donald Trump claimed the Los Angeles mayoral primary was rigged, urging Spencer Pratt to contest the loss that saw Nithya Raman replace him for the runoff against incumbent Karen Bass. No fraud evidence has be​ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-declares-los-angeles-mayoral-race-rigged-and-backs-spencer-pratt ### 2026-06-24: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass navigates shifting voter coalitions and tax ballot fight Mayor Karen Bass battles Nithya Raman for LA’s mayoralty amid shifting voter coalitions, while a tax‑protection initiative she tried to sideline stays on the ballot. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-navigates-shifting-voter-coalitions-and-tax-ballot-fight ### 2026-06-16: Spencer Pratt sues Los Angeles mayor over Palisades fire as mayoral race heats up Spencer Pratt teams with Karen Bass’s brother to sue LA Mayor Karen Bass over the Palisades fire, while his late‑entered mayoral bid faces incumbent Bass and councilwoman Raman. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-sues-los-angeles-mayor-over-palisades-fire-as-mayoral-race-heats-up ### 2026-06-13: Spencer Pratt sues Los Angeles after mayoral defeat, targets Mayor Bass After losing the LA mayoral race, Spencer Pratt sued the city and utilities over the Palisades fire and launched a combative video campaign against Mayor Bass and Councilmember Raman. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-sues-los-angeles-after-mayoral-defeat-targets-mayor-bass ### 2026-06-12: Spencer Pratt claims arson in Los Angeles crystal shop fire amid mayoral race fallout Spencer Pratt says a fire at his Pacific Palisades crystal shop was arson, blaming political rivals amid his recent Los Angeles mayoral bid. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-claims-arson-in-los-angeles-crystal-shop-fire-amid-mayoral-race-fallout ### 2026-06-12: Spencer Pratt vows to expose Los Angeles election after primary loss Spencer Pratt, after finishing third behind Karen Bass and Nithya Raman in the LA mayoral primary, vowed to expose alleged election fraud and launched a TV series, drawing national attention despite no provenIr 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-los-angeles-mayoral-primary-defeat-fuels-new-tv-series ### 2026-06-12: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces budget gaps and homeless services fraud Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is managing budget deficits, a homelessness decline with retention challenges, and a federal judge’s fraud warning over the city’s Homeless Services Authority. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-faces-budget-gaps-and-homeless-services-fraud ### 2026-06-11: Spencer Pratt vows to expose alleged corruption after conceding Los Angeles mayoral race Spencer Pratt, after conceding the LA mayoral primary, launched a “war” to expose alleged corruption, claiming recordings could force a candidate’s resignation and pledging continued scrutiny of Bass and Raman. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-vows-continued-fight-after-losing-los-angeles-mayoral-primary ### 2026-06-10: Spencer Pratt finishes third in Los Angeles mayoral primary Reality‑star Spencer Pratt, motivated by the Palisades fire, ran as a Republican for Los Angeles mayor, finished third with about 26 % in the primary and did not advance to the runoff. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-finishes-third-in-los-angeles-mayoral-primary ### 2026-06-10: Jimmy Kimmel Offers U‑Haul to Spencer Pratt After Los Angeles Mayoral Primary Loss After finishing third in the LA mayoral primary, Spencer Pratt’s pledge to leave the city was mocked by Jimmy Kimmel, who announced he rented a U‑Haul for Pratt. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jimmy-kimmel-offers-uhaul-to-spencer-pratt-after-los-angeles-mayoral-primary-loss ### 2026-06-10: Spencer Pratt's Los Angeles mayoral primary loss sparks unfounded voter fraud rumors Spencer Pratt placed third in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, prompting a runoff between Karen Bass and Nithya Raman. Unverified claims of homeless voter bribery were debunked by officials, and Pratt posted “¿ 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nithya-raman-beats-spencer-pratt-in-los-angeles-mayoral-race ### 2026-06-09: Nithya Raman Advances to Los Angeles Mayoral Runoff Against Incumbent Karen Bass Nithya Raman defeats Spencer Pratt in the LA primary and advances to a November runoff with incumbent Karen Bass, turning the race into a test of progressive city governance. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nithya-raman-advances-to-los-angeles-mayoral-runoff ### 2026-06-09: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to Face Nithya Raman in Runoff Election Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will meet City Council member Nithya Raman in a November runoff after Raman displaced Spencer Pratt in the primary; the race centers on wildfire response and homelessness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-to-face-nithya-raman-in-runoff-election ### 2026-06-08: Nithya Raman advances to Los Angeles mayoral runoff, overtaking Spencer Pratt Karen Bass leads the LA mayoral primary; Nithya Raman has overtaken Spencer Pratt for the second spot, setting a November runoff between Bass and Raman. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-primary-bass-leads-raman-moves-into-runoff-pratt-drops-to-third ### 2026-06-06: DOJ Refutes Claim of Vote Count Error in Los Angeles Mayoral Race DOJ attorney Bill Essayli debunked a social‑media claim that Spencer Pratt got zero votes due to an update lag in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, confirming all candidates received votes and calling the fraud‑ 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-justice-department-refutes-false-claim-of-votecount-discrepancy-in-los-angeles-mayor-race ### 2026-06-06: Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid Slows as Late Ballots Favor Nithya Raman Late ballot counting in Los Angeles narrows Spencer Pratt’s lead over Nithya Raman, leaving a gap of about 20,000 votes with many ballots still pending. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-mayoral-bid-slows-as-late-ballots-favor-nithya-raman ### 2026-06-06: Nithya Raman overtakes Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles mayoral primary Nithya Raman now leads Spencer Pratt for second place in the LA mayoral primary, with 27% of votes versus Pratt’s 27%, while Karen Bass stays ahead at 35%. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayoral-primary-race-narrows-to-raman-versus-pratt ### 2026-06-05: Nithya Raman Narrows Gap to 1% Behind Spencer Pratt in LA Mayoral Primary Los Angeles mayoral primary shows Spencer Pratt’s lead over Nithya Raman reduced to about 1 % (≈7,500 votes) with 78 % of ballots counted; Karen Bass leads and is set for the runoff. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayoral-primary-nithya-raman-narrows-gap-on-spencer-pratt ### 2026-06-05: California primary results keep governor and Los Angeles mayor races undecided California primary vote counts keep the governor race open and set a Los Angeles mayoral runoff between Karen Bass and a narrowing gap between Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayoral-primary-shows-incumbent-karen-bass-ahead-spencer-pratt-holds-second-place ### 2026-06-05: Spencer Pratt’s Lead Shrinks in Los Angeles Mayoral Race Against Nithya Raman Spencer Pratt’s lead over Nithya Raman in the Los Angeles mayoral primary has fallen to about 1 % (27.3 % vs 26.2 %) with 78 % of votes counted, while incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is set for a runoff. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-lead-shrinks-in-los-angeles-mayoral-race-against-nithya-raman ### 2026-06-04: Spencer Pratt's LA mayoral run sparks Jimmy Kimmel jab as primary narrows Jimmy Kimmel mocked Spencer Pratt’s second‑place finish in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, where Karen Bass leads, and Pratt replied by highlighting Kimmel’s old black‑face sketch. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-la-mayoral-run-sparks-jimmy-kimmel-jab-as-primary-narrows ### 2026-06-04: Los Angeles mayoral primary: Bass leads, Pratt’s lead narrows as Raman gains ground Mayor Karen Bass leads the LA mayoral primary at ~35%, while Spencer Pratt’s lead narrows as Nithya Raman gains ground; a data‑feed glitch sparked false fraud claims. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayoral-primary-narrows-gap-between-nithya-raman-and-spencer-pratt ### 2026-06-03: Spencer Pratt's treatment‑first plan for Los Angeles homelessness sparks controversy Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign proposes a five‑step treatment‑first plan for LA homelessness, sparking backlash from officials who say it oversteps authority and ignores housing costs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-treatmentfirst-plan-for-los-angeles-homelessness-sparks-controversy ### 2026-06-03: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advances to November runoff Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass leads the LA mayoral primary and advances to a November runoff, with reality‑TV candidate Spencer Pratt in second place and councilmember Nithya Raman trailing. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karen-bass-leads-los-angeles-mayoral-race-runoff-expected ### 2026-06-02: Spencer Pratt Secures Runoff Spot in Los Angeles Mayoral Election Spencer Pratt placed second with ~29% in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, advancing to a runoff against incumbent Karen Bass, who led with ~36%. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-surges-to-second-place-in-los-angeles-mayoral-primary ### 2026-05-30: Spencer Pratt Gains Ground in Los Angeles Mayoral Race Spencer Pratt, a reality‑TV star and Republican, is polling neck‑and‑neck with Mayor Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, focusing on safety, homelessness, and wildfire recovery. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-mayoral-bid-sparks-celebrity-endorsements-and-criticism-in-los-angeles ### 2026-05-29: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces wildfire fallout in re‑election bid Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass seeks re‑election amid wildfire rebuilding, facing Republican challenger Spencer Pratt (Trump‑backed) and progressive Nithya Raman; a close primary could lead to a November runoff. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-faces-wildfire-fallout-in-reelection-bid ### 2026-05-28: Jimmy Kimmel mocks Spencer Pratt's bid in Los Angeles mayoral race Jimmy Kimmel warned that reality‑TV star Spencer Pratt’s potential mayoral run could turn the Los Angeles election into a celebrity‑driven spectacle, raising doubts about his qualifications for city leadership. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jimmy-kimmel-mocks-spencer-pratts-bid-in-los-angeles-mayoral-race ### 2026-05-26: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Accused of Election Law Violations by Challenger Spencer Pratt Spencer Pratt lodged a complaint accusing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of illegal electioneering near a ballot drop box; Bass denies it. The primary is June 2, 2026, with Bass leading in polls. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-accuses-la-mayor-karen-bass-of-election-law-violation ### 2026-05-24: Spencer Pratt’s Unconventional Push for Los Angeles Mayor Gains National Notice Spencer Pratt, a former reality star, is running for Los Angeles mayor with viral stunt advertising and a hard‑line stance on homelessness, drawing national attention and sharp criticism while polling as a key 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-enters-los-angeles-mayoral-race-amid-city-crises ### 2026-05-21: Spencer Pratt Emerges as Major Challenger in Los Angeles Mayoral Race Reality star Spencer Pratt is challenging incumbent Karen Bass in the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race, out‑fundraising her, leveraging wildfire loss, receiving endorsement from Turning Point USA, and sparking a 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-emerges-as-major-challenger-in-los-angeles-mayoral-race ### 2026-05-20: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Wins Major Hollywood Union Endorsements Mayor Karen Bass secures IATSE and other Hollywood union endorsements ahead of the June 2 primary, emphasizing film tax credits and red‑tape cuts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-wins-major-hollywood-union-endorsements ### 2026-05-19: Spencer Pratt Gains Momentum in LA Mayoral Race Amid Ted Cruz Critique of Mayor Bass Sen. Ted Cruz blames L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’s policies for Spencer Pratt’s surge in the mayoral race, where he trails Bass 35% to 23%. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-gains-ground-in-la-mayoral-race-as-ted-cruz-blames-karen-bass ### 2026-05-19: Nancy Lee Grahn Criticizes Fans and Opposes Spencer Pratt's Mayoral Bid Actress Nancy Lee Grahn slammed fans for backing Spencer Pratt’s mayoral run and faced speculation over her intense political posts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nancy-lee-grahn-criticizes-fans-and-opposes-spencer-pratts-mayoral-bid ### 2026-05-17: Spencer Pratt's Los Angeles mayoral bid spotlights resource cuts, AI ads and exit threat if defeated Spencer Pratt runs for L.A. mayor, uses AI ads, flags reservoir cuts and says he'll leave if he loses. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-los-angeles-mayoral-bid-draws-controversy ### 2026-05-17: Los Angeles mayoral race turns to film‑production slump as candidates clash on city issues LA mayoral candidates debate city issues and a deepening film‑production crisis as the race intensifies. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayoral-race-turns-to-filmproduction-slump-as-candidates-clash-on-city-issues ### 2026-05-16: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Criticized Over $400 Million Homelessness Spending Mayor Karen Bass faced a public outburst over $400 M spent on homelessness, with residents calling her efforts ineffective. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-criticized-over-400-million-homelessness-spending ### 2026-05-14: Spencer Pratt Gains Momentum in Los Angeles Mayoral Race Over BBQ Ban and Homelessness Issues Spencer Pratt surges in LA mayoral race, opposing Raman’s BBQ ban, criticizing Bass’s homelessness spending, and attracting Hollywood and possible Trump support 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-criticized-for-ghana-trip-amid-wildfires-and-dental-care-proposal-for-m ### 2026-05-14: Spencer Pratt's Mayoral Campaign Fundraiser Features Katharine McPhee Performance Katharine McPhee sang at a Brentwood fundraiser for Spencer Pratt's LA mayoral bid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-mayoral-campaign-fundraiser-features-katharine-mcphee-performance ### 2026-05-12: Spencer Pratt's mayoral bid fuels union‑backed attack ad in Los Angeles race Reality star Spencer Pratt runs for LA mayor; unions fund attack ad to help Bass in potential runoff. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-mayoral-bid-fuels-unionbacked-attack-ad-in-los-angeles-race ### 2026-05-12: Spencer Pratt Emerges as Front-Runner in Los Angeles Mayoral Race Amid Debate Cancelation Spencer Pratt rises as a top mayoral contender in LA as the debate is canceled and polls show a tight race with incumbent Karen Bass. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-faces-attack-ads-in-los-angeles-mayoral-race ### 2026-05-04: Kamala Harris Endorses Incumbent Karen Bass in Los Angeles Mayoral Race VP Kamala Harris endorses LA Mayor Karen Bass, highlighting drops in homelessness and crime as she seeks re‑election amid a crowded field. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kamala-harris-endorses-incumbent-karen-bass-in-los-angeles-mayoral-race ### 2026-05-04: Spencer Pratt's viral video attacks Los Angeles city spending during mayoral campaign Spencer Pratt's campaign video condemning LA city spending has racked up about 10 million views. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratts-viral-video-attacks-los-angeles-city-spending-during-mayoral-campaign ### 2026-05-03: Celebrity donors contribute millions to Los Angeles mayoral race Celebrities like Jeanie Buss and Adam Scott have donated thousands to L.A. mayoral candidates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/celebrity-donors-contribute-millions-to-los-angeles-mayoral-race ### 2026-05-03: Kamala Harris backs LA mayoral candidate as Democrats push her for governor Kamala Harris endorses Karen Bass for LA mayor while Democrats urge her to run for California governor. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kamala-harris-backs-la-mayoral-candidate-as-democrats-push-her-for-governor ### 2026-04-30: Pratt's viral LA mayoral ads draw praise and brief rebuttal Pratt's viral LA mayoral ad earns praise as a 'genius' campaign spot, and he counters Raman with a 'nine-word victory lap' after criticism about filming at her家 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pratts-viral-la-mayoral-ads-draw-praise-and-brief-rebuttal ### 2026-04-28: Bass leads LA mayoral fundraising with $2.8M as rivals outpace her in 2026 funding Bass leads LA mayoral fundraising at about $2.8M; Pratt, Raman and Miller surge in 2026 funding, with a Lakers-connected donor making a max contribution. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bass-leads-la-mayoral-fundraising-with-28m-as-rivals-outpace-her-in-2026-funding ### 2026-04-23: Spencer Pratt enters LA mayoral race amid park plan dispute and fundraising surge Pratt critiques the MacArthur Park plan as his LA mayoral fundraising outpaces Bass, described as having 'stacks on stacks of cash'. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spencer-pratt-enters-la-mayoral-race-amid-park-plan-dispute-and-fundraising-surge --- Cite as: LA Mayoral Runoff: Bass vs. Raman set for November. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/escalating-campaign-dynamics-and-highprofile-endorsements-shape-the-2026-los-angeles-mayoral-contest