Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass secured a spot in the general election runoff early Wednesday, as Decision Desk HQ projected she will advance despite a tough primary challenge. The first-term Democrat faces an uncertain opponent, with Republican reality TV personality Spencer Pratt holding a narrow lead over progressive City Council member Nithya Raman for the second slot.
With just over half of the votes counted as of 2:20 a.m. EDT, Pratt led Raman by roughly 8 percentage points. The race is officially nonpartisan, but the ideological divide is stark: Bass, a former congresswoman, is running on her record amid criticism over her handling of the 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfires and the city’s persistent homelessness crisis. Pratt, known from the show “The Hills,” has tapped into voter frustration with a law-and-order message, while Raman represents the city’s progressive wing.
Bass failed to cross the 50% threshold needed to win outright in the June 2 primary, triggering a runoff on November 3. The results suggest she remains the frontrunner, but the narrow margin underscores the depth of voter discontent. “This is a referendum on her leadership,” said a political strategist close to the campaign, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The wildfires and homelessness have eroded her base, but she still has a path.”
The mayor’s tenure has been defined by crisis management. The Pacific Palisades fires, which tore through affluent neighborhoods in early 2025, drew criticism for slow evacuation orders and insufficient resources. Meanwhile, homelessness in Los Angeles has worsened, with encampments spreading along the city’s iconic boulevards. Bass has defended her record, citing increased shelter beds and a new affordable housing initiative, but polls have consistently shown her approval rating below 45%.
Pratt’s campaign has capitalized on this discontent, using his celebrity status to draw crowds and media attention. He has pledged to clear homeless encampments and boost police funding, positions that resonate with voters worried about crime and public safety. Raman, a first-term council member, has focused on housing-first policies and police reform, but her campaign has struggled to break through Pratt’s populist appeal.
The runoff is likely to be a high-stakes battle, with national implications. Los Angeles is a Democratic stronghold, but Bass’s vulnerabilities could give Pratt an opening. “This race is about trust,” said a local political analyst. “Bass needs to convince voters she can solve problems, not just manage them.”
Related coverage: Pratt’s polling surge shakes up the mayoral race, and strategists warn Bass faces a serious reelection threat. The outcome will hinge on turnout, with both campaigns expected to pour millions into advertising and ground operations over the next five months.
For now, Bass is poised to advance, but the path to a second term is far from certain. “She’s the favorite, but this is no coronation,” the analyst added. “November will be a test of whether her coalition can hold.”
