LA mayoral primary tight race among Bass, Raman, Pratt

Los Angeles voters head to the polls Tuesday in a mayoral primary that has become unexpectedly competitive, with former reality television star Spencer Pratt emerging as a serious contender against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman. The race, defined by voter frustration over public safety, homelessness, and wildfire response, has tightened dramatically in recent weeks.

Pratt’s campaign gained significant attention following a warm, hour-long interview on comedian and commentator Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, released Monday. During the conversation, Maher praised Pratt’s political instincts and authenticity, telling him, “You are on people’s minds out here. Nobody can take that away from you.” Maher later added, “You had me at hello,” and advised Pratt to “just keep doing what you’re doing.” On his HBO program “Real Time,” Maher also described Pratt as a “nice guy” and “charming,” stating, “I know I’m supposed to hate him. I don’t.”

The candidate’s platform centers on basic city services, with a focus on public safety, street lighting, pothole repair, and graffiti cleanup. He has pledged stricter enforcement against public drug use near children...