Pratt Leads NBC4 Poll Following Los Angeles Mayoral Debate
Spencer Pratt led an NBC4 poll after participating in a Los Angeles mayoral debate.
Event / Politics
Los Angeles mayoral primary and runoff election
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 7 May, 17:37 UTC
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advanced to the November 3 general election in the mayoral race after the June 3, 2026 primary election. Bass, the 72-year-old incumbent, led the field of more than a dozen candidates. Under California's jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the runoff. As of early Wednesday morning, the Associated Press had projected Bass would advance but had not yet called a second candidate.
Spencer Pratt's mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles was destroyed in the Palisades Fire in January 2025, which was the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. The fire killed 12 people. Pratt and his family also lost their parents' home in the fire. In May 2025, Pratt's wife Heidi Montag stated the couple lacked the finances to rebuild their 2,000 square foot home and would likely need to sell the lot.
City Council Member Nithya Raman, a 44-year-old member of the Democratic Socialists of America representing LA's 4th district since 2020, was polling for third place in the June 3, 2026 primary. With 37% of votes remaining to be counted, it was uncertain whether Raman or Pratt would advance to the November runoff. Raman launched her mayoral campaign in February 2026, less than two weeks after endorsing Bass's re-election.
Spencer Pratt, a 42-year-old registered Republican and former reality TV star from MTV's 'The Hills,' finished in second place in early returns from the Los Angeles mayoral primary on June 3, 2026. Pratt launched his campaign after his home was destroyed in the January 2025 Palisades Fire. He has raised $3.7 million since January, compared to Bass's $3.2 million raised over two years.
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged making mistakes during her first term in office, which began after her election in 2022. She faced sustained criticism for her handling of the January 2025 Palisades Fire, particularly for being in Ghana on a presidential delegation when the fire broke out, and for the slow pace of rebuilding efforts. Despite these challenges, Bass pointed to reductions in homelessness and a historically low homicide rate as evidence of progress.
President Donald Trump recently acknowledged Spencer Pratt's Los Angeles mayoral campaign, remarking that he heard Pratt was a 'big MAGA person.' Trump did not provide a formal endorsement, but the comment represented a nod of approval. Pratt rejected any formal affiliation with the MAGA movement, despite backing from MAGA leaders.
Los Angeles County experienced the largest numeric population drop in the nation, losing approximately 54,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025. This demographic shift reflects broader challenges facing the region, including rising costs of living, insufficient housing, and outmigration to more affordable areas.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Spencer Pratt's campaign claims about living in squalor following the Palisades Fire were false. Pratt had not been living full-time in a trailer as suggested during his campaign, but had actually spent over $15,000 at the Hotel Bel-Air in little more than a month.
Mayor Karen Bass faced backlash for supporting a deal to delay a planned $30 minimum wage increase for hospitality and airport workers until after the 2028 Olympics. The delay became a point of criticism during her reelection campaign.
Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, participated in his first Los Angeles mayoral debate at the Skirball Cultural Center on Wednesday. The debate was hosted by NBC4 and Loyola Marymount University and featured three leading candidates: Pratt, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, and Councilmember Nithya Raman. The debate focused on how candidates would keep film production in Southern California.
Mayor Karen Bass stated during the debate that her administration has expedited permits and lowered the cost of filming in Los Angeles, including at sites like the Griffith Observatory. Bass also noted that she established a film czar position and referenced her previous work on film tax credits when serving in Sacramento.
Councilmember Nithya Raman advocated during the debate for an uncapped film tax credit program guaranteed for years into the future. She also proposed creating a city film office to improve efficiency in production timelines and reduce regulatory red tape, emphasizing the need for coordination across county jurisdictions.
Following the debate, NBC4 Los Angeles conducted an online poll of viewers asking who won the debate. Spencer Pratt was declared the winner by 87% of respondents, with Mayor Bass receiving 8% and Councilmember Raman receiving 5%. In a separate question, 73% said the debate did not change their voting intention.
Spencer Pratt led an NBC4 poll after participating in a Los Angeles mayoral debate.