Republicans Steer Spencer Pratt's LA Mayoral Bid as June 2 Polls Show Karen Bass Ahead
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · May 18
Republicans Steer Spencer Pratt's LA Mayoral Bid as June 2 Polls Show Karen Bass Ahead
5 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · May 18
City disclosure filings tie Spencer Pratt's Los Angeles mayoral campaign to Republican operatives despite his repeated claims that no party is backing him.
Brian Bilbray's family sits at the center of the operation: the campaign lists headquarters at a tax firm run by Bilbray's wife, while his daughter, a former GOP delegate, serves as treasurer.
Fundraising has also involved Pluvious Group, an L.A. consulting firm whose past clients include Donald Trump, Tom Cotton and Mike Garcia; California regulators previously found it set up illegal donations in a state race.
Pratt, a registered Republican running as a "community advocate," is trying to break through in a city that has not elected a GOP mayor in nearly 30 years.
June 2 is the next test: incumbent Karen Bass leads polling, while Pratt and councilmember Nithya Raman are battling for the second runoff spot before the Nov. 3 election.
Why are L.A.'s wealthiest residents betting on a celebrity candidate to solve the city's long-standing crises?
Can a reality TV star fix a 'broken' city using the playbook of seasoned political consultants?