OAN Staff Jenna Lee and Brooke Mallory
11:40 AM – Friday, May 1, 2026
Los Angeles Republican mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has significantly bolstered his campaign’s visibility following the now-viral release of his latest promotional video.
The reality television star-turned-political hopeful utilized his social media platforms to draw a sharp, visual contrast between the well-manicured personal residences of incumbent Democrat Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman — against the gritty, everyday realities facing many Los Angeles neighborhoods.
This pivot toward local advocacy also follows a personal tragedy for Pratt, as he lost his home in the devastating Palisades Fire of January 2025, an event that has seemingly fueled his critique of the city’s current leadership and emergency management.
In addition, Pratt’s campaign has recently exploded in visibility following the release of his viral ad titled “They Not Like Us,” which has already surpassed approximately 8.6 million views on social media platforms.
The high-energy, 30-second video contrasts the well-maintained residences of Bass and Raman against a backdrop of urban decay, featuring footage of homeless encampments and gridlocked traffic.
In the ad’s most piercing moment, Pratt stands before a modest trailer and identifies himself as a victim of government negligence, citing the total loss of his home during last year’s fires. This personal experience has successfully subverted his former reality television persona, positioning him as a populist outsider and driving a surge in prediction markets.
“They let my home burn down. I know what the consequences of failed leadership are. That’s why I am running for mayor, for my sons and the rest of these Angelenos that want to stop these corrupt politicians from destroying our city,” said Pratt in the video, which hit 8.5 million views.
Meanwhile, Lakers governor Jeanie Buss recently endorsed Pratt’s Los Angeles campaign and donated the maximum $1,800 primary to his campaign.
On prediction markets, Pratt’s odds of succeeding Bass as mayor have seen a significant upswing, with current data suggesting he has a 43% chance of securing a top-two finish in the upcoming primary. This surge places him ahead of the Democratic socialist, Raman, who holds a 30% probability of advancing, while incumbent Bass’s odds for a runner-up finish sit at 24%.
Although Bass remained the consistent favorite throughout the latter half of 2025, she was overtaken by Raman in March, creating a shift in market sentiment that ultimately cleared a path for Pratt to emerge as a primary contender.
However, despite these recently shifting betting odds, prior polling had still favored the incumbent. An April 3rd UCLA Luskin poll showed Bass leading with 25% support, followed by Pratt at 11% and Raman at 9%.
Nonetheless, the race remains highly volatile, as 40% of likely Los Angeles voters report being undecided just weeks before the June 2nd primary election.
Under the city’s election rules, if no candidate secures a simple majority in June, the two highest vote-getters will face off in a final runoff during the general election on November 3, 2026.
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