Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is fighting for her political life as she seeks a second term in Tuesday's primary, facing a crowded field led by progressive city councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, a Republican. The race to lead the nation's second-largest city has turned into a three-way contest, with polls suggesting no candidate will clear the 50 percent threshold to avoid a runoff.
If no contender secures a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election on November 3. Polls close at 11 p.m. EDT, and Decision Desk HQ is tracking live results throughout the night.
Bass Under Pressure
Bass, a Democrat and former congresswoman, has struggled to consolidate support amid voter frustration over homelessness, crime, and the cost of living. Critics on the left say she hasn't gone far enough on progressive reforms, while moderates and conservatives blame her for a perceived decline in public safety. Political strategist Jim Messina recently warned that Bass faces a serious reelection threat, noting that her coalition is fracturing.
Raman, a progressive who represents parts of Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, has emerged as Bass's main challenger from the left. She has pushed for defunding the police and expanding rent control, positions that energize the city's activist base but may alienate swing voters. Raman's campaign has focused on housing affordability and police reform, themes that resonate in a city grappling with a visible homelessness crisis.
Pratt's Surge
The most unexpected development has been the rise of Spencer Pratt, a Republican best known for his role on the reality show "The Hills." Pratt has tapped into voter anger over homelessness and street crime, recasting the debate as a public health and addiction emergency. He has surged in polls by redefining the homeless crisis as an addiction issue, promising tougher enforcement and more treatment beds. His celebrity status has drawn national media attention and a flood of small-dollar donations.
Bass has accused Pratt of exploiting voter anger for political gain. In recent campaign stops, she called his platform "reckless" and said it would criminalize poverty. Pratt, for his part, has dismissed Bass as out of touch, pointing to the city's rising homeless population and the slow pace of shelter construction.
What's at Stake
The outcome of this primary will shape the city's direction for years. A Bass-Raman runoff would be a battle between two Democrats, but one that pits the establishment against the progressive wing. A Bass-Pratt matchup would be a stark ideological clash, with implications for how Los Angeles tackles its most intractable problems.
Voter turnout is expected to be low, as is typical for primaries, which could benefit candidates with passionate followings. Raman's grassroots network and Pratt's viral online presence may give them an edge in getting their supporters to the polls. Bass, meanwhile, relies on traditional Democratic Party infrastructure and union endorsements.
Regardless of the outcome, the race underscores the volatility of urban politics in an era of deep partisan polarization and acute local crises. Los Angeles, a Democratic stronghold, may yet produce a general election contest that forces national conversations about homelessness, public safety, and the limits of progressive governance.
