Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star turned Los Angeles mayoral hopeful, is coming off a busy week in the headlines thanks to his participation in a debate and his sharing of conversation-stirring videos in support of his candidacy.
Sprawling, populous Los Angeles will soon decide whether to reelect incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, or someone else — say, Pratt. He announced his bid for Los Angeles mayor in January as part of the one-year anniversary event of the Palisades Fire. Pratt and Heidi Montag, his wife and fellow “The Hills” alum, lost their home to the deadly blaze last January.
An outspoken critic of Bass, Pratt recently used a debate stage to scrutinize her tenure. He also reposted a promotional video on X on May 5 that’s garnered over 4 million views with comments that span from impressed to curious about AI generation.
The video depicts Spencer Pratt as Batman, leading people and police to seemingly defeat (throw tomatoes at) a Joker-like Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is holding a slice of cake, amid a burning Hollywood sign.
On May 8, Pratt posted another video: Pratt summer à la Charli xcx and the pop culture phenomenon that surrounded her album.
See latest Spencer Pratt polls
Reality television personality Spencer Pratt launched his campaign for Los Angeles mayor at an event marking one year since the Palisades Fire.
A poll from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs in early April found that Bass led with 25% of voters’ support, but a chunk of voters, 40%, were undecided in a race that’s creeping closer.
Following Bass was Pratt at 11%. Nithya Raman, a city councilmember also in the running, polled at 9%.
The figures weren’t too dissimilar to that of an Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics survey released in March: Bass and Pratt were the only candidates to receive support in the double-digits at 19.5% and 10.2% respectively.
Spencer Pratt policies: A few quick insights for voters
During the NBC4 debate, Pratt said increasing the size of Los Angeles’ police forces needs to be a priority and was critical of the Inside Safe program, which is intended to move people off the streets and from encampments into housing.
Pratt’s campaign website — where he is characterized as Bass’ “worst nightmare” — calls for using a “treatment-led recovery model that addresses mental illness and addiction as the primary drivers of chronic homelessness.”
“Under a Treatment and Recovery First framework, resources will be redirected to mental health care, drug treatment, and stabilization services. Participation in treatment is a must for city-funded assistance, and long-term housing will be reserved for those demonstrating a stability and sobriety,” according to his campaign.
During a debate discussion about the state of downtown Los Angeles, Pratt brought up safety issues in the area.
“Before we require city workers to go back into any buildings, we need to enforce the laws of the street,” he said.
Other positions he has include “no” on noncitizen voting for local elections in Los Angeles, and that not enough is being done to bring Hollywood back.
See photos of the California governor debate on CNN
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Candidates Antonio Villaraigosa, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Steve Hilton, Chad Bianco, Xavier Becerra and Matt Mahan gather for a group photograph during a commercial break at the gubernatorial debate for California governor held by CNN in Monterey Park, California, U.S., May 5, 2026. REUTERS/ David Swanson
What party is Spencer Pratt?
Earlier this year, Pratt said that while he registered as a Republican in 2020, “this is a non-partisan race” and that he won’t serve either party.
In a CBS News interview, Pratt was asked whether he identified with a particular political party.
“If there was a letter next to my name, it would be an R,” Pratt said. “But that R would stand for results.”
What is Spencer Pratt known for?
Pratt is best known for appearing on the reality television series “The Hills,” which premiered in 2006 on MTV. The show was created by Adam DiVello, who might also be recognized for the more recent hit on Netflix, “Selling Sunset,” which explores the drama of selling luxury real estate in Los Angeles.
Pratt hosts a podcast with Montag called “The Fame Game with Heidi and Spencer.” Pratt has also appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother UK” and “Marriage Boot Camp.”
Does Spencer Pratt have kids?
He and Montag have two kids, Gunner and Ryker.
Who is running for mayor of Los Angeles?
Los Angeles mayoral race polls frequently only feature several candidates. However, more than a dozen people are running for the position. Here’s who, and their titles, as reported by the city clerk’s office:
Nithya Raman, Los Angeles city councilmember and urban planner
There are also two write-in candidates for the office: Griselda Diaz and Misael Ortega.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt, from policies to party affiliation