CNN analyst Van Jones argued Tuesday that the surging popularity of reality television star Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles mayoral race represents a clear alarm for California Democrats, pointing to widespread voter anger at the state's political status quo.
Speaking on CNN's "NewsNight," Jones noted that Pratt, a Republican who has never held office, is now the likely challenger to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the runoff election. The analyst called the development a sign of deep discontent among voters.
"If a reality TV star winds up going head-to-head with Karen Bass, given how unpopular the reality TV star president is, Donald Trump, it just gives you a sense of the level of discontent," Jones said.
While Jones expects Bass to ultimately survive the election, he warned that the race should serve as a wake-up call for the Democratic establishment in California. "It's a wake up call for Democratic Party establishment in the state of California," he said, adding: "We've got two, kind of, wild personality types that are probably going to drag us into a runoff."
Bass faced a crowded field of 15 candidates in the all-party primary, securing just 34.8 percent of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ. Under California's election rules, all candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party, and if no one wins a majority, the top two advance to a runoff. With ballots still being counted, Pratt holds second place with 30.4 percent, followed by City Councilmember Nithya Raman at 22.3 percent.
Pratt, best known for his role on the MTV series "The Hills," has seen his popularity skyrocket in recent months, fueled by his vocal criticism of Bass's leadership during the Palisades wildfires, which destroyed his home. He has also cited public safety concerns and the homelessness crisis as key motivations for entering the race. His campaign has tapped into a vein of anger among voters who feel the city's leadership has failed them.
President Donald Trump, a former reality TV star himself, has praised Pratt as a "big MAGA person" and expressed hope for his success. But Pratt has downplayed the significance of Trump's endorsement, telling NBC that he "doesn't need anyone's endorsement" and arguing that local elections should not be viewed through a national lens. This stance has helped him appeal to voters who are frustrated with both parties.
The contest has broader implications for California Democrats, who have seen a string of competitive races amid voter dissatisfaction. The party's recent fundraising struggles, as reported by The World Signal, highlight a deeper infrastructure crisis that could affect races up and down the ballot. Meanwhile, the California governor primary remains deadlocked, with Attorney General Xavier Becerra and former gubernatorial candidate Gavin Hilton locked in a tight contest as counting continues.
Political analysts see Pratt's rise as part of a larger trend where outsider candidates, often with celebrity backgrounds, are gaining traction by channeling voter anger at incumbents. If Pratt makes it to the runoff, the race will test whether Bass's institutional support can overcome the anti-establishment sentiment that has reshaped politics across the country. The outcome could serve as a bellwether for Democratic prospects in California and beyond.
