Spencer Pratt, known for his role on MTV’s “The Hills,” is running for mayor of Los Angeles and currently holds the second spot in the polls. In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Pratt outlined his campaign approach and criticized incumbent Mayor Karen Bass’s handling of recent city crises.
At 42, Pratt is an unlikely political candidate with no prior experience but believes his direct, genuine communication appeals to voters. He told CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi that unlike typical politicians, he speaks “from the heart” and offers “common sense” solutions.
Pratt pointed to a recent UCLA poll showing 40% of voters remain undecided as evidence that many residents are dissatisfied with Mayor Bass, particularly following criticism of her response to last year’s destructive wildfires. Pratt himself was among those affected by the Palisades Fire. Although he expressed skepticism toward polling accuracy, Pratt called Bass’s record the “worst in LA history.”
The campaign recently featured a debate with Pratt, Bass, and City Councilmember Nithya Raman. Pratt acknowledged his past as a reality TV villain was strategic for entertainment purposes but insisted his mayoral efforts are rooted in authentic concern for the city’s future. “There’s no strategy when you’re standing in an Airstream on your burned-out town. You can’t fake that,” he said.
Drawing a parallel to Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City who ousted Andrew Cuomo, Pratt noted their shared promise of change but underscored their policy differences. Cameron stressed that while Mamdani promised free buses, his focus is on ensuring that Los Angeles’ public transit is safe and clean, free from incidents involving violence and unsanitary conditions.
Pratt also likened his candidacy to Barack Obama’s early political career, emphasizing that passion and the support of knowledgeable allies can compensate for a lack of traditional experience. “When people have passion and they care and they have common sense… all these very smart, successful people in Los Angeles want to get around me and make sure that LA is the number-one city in the world,” he said.
The Los Angeles mayoral election is scheduled for June 2, with a runoff planned for November 3 if no candidate wins a majority.
Why it matters
Pratt’s campaign highlights an unconventional challenge in a major U.S. city where traditional political backgrounds are often dominant. His focus on public safety and urban management responds to recent local concerns, especially around wildfire recovery and transit conditions, issues that deeply affect Los Angeles residents.
Background
Los Angeles has not elected a Republican mayor since 2001. Mayor Karen Bass faces scrutiny over her management of the city’s responses to wildfires and other crises, setting the stage for a potentially transformative election in the second-largest U.S. city.
Sources
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