Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3
Spencer Pratt Takes 2nd in LA Mayoral Primary, Eyes November Runoff Against Karen Bass
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3

Spencer Pratt Takes 2nd in LA Mayoral Primary, Eyes November Runoff Against Karen Bass

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 3

Summary

  • Spencer Pratt was running second as Los Angeles counted Tuesday's primary vote, putting the Republican reality-TV figure on track to face Mayor Karen Bass in a November runoff.
  • Last year's Palisades fire powered his outsider bid: Pratt has blamed Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom for letting his neighborhood burn, then widened his message to homelessness, drugs and quality-of-life concerns.
  • Thin policy detail has not stopped him from attracting frustrated voters and celebrity backers, including Billy Bush and Adam Carolla, at a noisy election-night gathering outside a Pico Boulevard restaurant.
  • Pratt is already pitching beyond his base, saying he can represent Democrats, Republicans and independents alike if his second-place finish holds through the final count.

Insights

Fueled by a city's anger, can a reality TV star's outsider campaign actually solve LA's deep-rooted crises?
As LA rebuilds from historic fires, does its future depend on political experience or a famous new face?