He was a reality show villain. Can he be the mayor of one of America’s largest cities?

He was a reality show villain – In the heart of Los Angeles, a city known for its cultural diversity and political complexity, a surprising figure is challenging the status quo in the mayoral race. Spencer Pratt, once a central character in MTV’s *The Hills* during the early 2000s, has transformed from a reality TV antagonist into a Republican candidate vying for the city’s top post. His rise has sparked both intrigue and skepticism, as voters question whether a former publicist and *Celebrity Big Brother* contestant can translate fame into governance.

From Drama to Democracy: A New Chapter for a Reality Star

Pratt’s journey to the mayoral race began with his role as a cast member on *The Hills*, a spin-off of *Laguna Beach* that captured the lives of young, affluent Angelenos. His character, often brash and provocative, became a symbol of the show’s signature drama. But while his on-screen antics earned him a loyal fanbase, they also cemented his reputation as a polarizing figure. Now, over two decades later, he’s leveraging that same media savvy to contest one of the most competitive political races in the country.

The race, set to culminate in a primary on Tuesday, has drawn more than three dozen candidates, making it a sprawling contest. Despite the field’s breadth, Pratt has emerged as a notable contender. A recent UC Berkeley-LA Times poll revealed his support at 22%, narrowly trailing mayor Karen Bass (26%) and city council member Nithya Raman (25%). The primary’s non-partisan nature means all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete on equal footing. However, the hurdle remains high: securing 50% of the vote or advancing to the November general election.

Media Savvy and Fundraising Power

Pratt’s campaign has relied heavily on social media, where he has used platforms like TikTok to amplify his message. His posts often blend personal anecdotes with sharp critiques of current leadership, drawing attention to issues like housing insecurity and public safety. This strategy has paid off financially, with Pratt raising $2.7 million between April 19 and May 16—nearly 10 times the amount raised by Bass and seven times that of Raman. His fundraising success has allowed him to outspend both opponents, a feat that has bolstered his campaign’s visibility in a city accustomed to high political spending.

Bass, a seasoned politician with a decade of experience in local governance, has faced her own challenges. While she maintains a solid base of support, Pratt’s rapid ascent has forced her to defend her record. Similarly, Raman, a former city council member, has criticized Pratt for lacking a concrete policy platform. “He’s not offering a realistic solution,” Raman said in a recent interview, highlighting her focus on pragmatic approaches to urban challenges.

Blaming the Past for the Present

At the core of Pratt’s campaign is his personal experience with the 2025 wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles. The disaster, which claimed over 100 lives and displaced thousands, struck the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where Pratt lived. He has used this tragedy as a rallying point, accusing the previous administration of inadequate preparation and response. “This city is broken,” he declared in a campaign video, “and it’s time to fix it.” His message of accountability has resonated with some voters, particularly those in upscale areas affected by the fires.

Pratt’s platform emphasizes stricter drug policies and mandatory treatment programs to address homelessness, a persistent issue in Los Angeles. He also positions himself as a champion of fiscal responsibility, contrasting his approach with what he describes as the “entertainment-driven” policies of current leaders. His ability to frame complex issues through relatable narratives has allowed him to bypass traditional political channels and engage directly with the public, a tactic that has become increasingly common in modern campaigns.

The Professor’s Perspective: A Realistic Assessment?

Political analysts have scrutinized Pratt’s candidacy, questioning its feasibility. Efrén Pérez, a political psychology professor at UCLA, notes that the city’s last Republican mayor was elected in 2001, a quarter-century ago. “Pratt’s base is narrow, and his platform is still largely tied to personal grievances,” Pérez said. While he acknowledges the validity of highlighting the fire crisis, he argues that the affluent communities Pratt represents are not the majority of Los Angeles. “The city is a mosaic of experiences, and his campaign speaks to one slice of that mosaic,” Pérez added.

Yet, some see his approach as a reflection of modern politics. Marty Kaplan, an entertainment and media professor at USC, argues that the blurring of entertainment and politics has created opportunities for figures like Pratt. “Politicians are no longer just policymakers—they’re also content creators,” Kaplan observed. This trend, he suggests, gives Pratt an edge in a city where media influence often outweighs traditional political endorsements.

Rebuttals and Resilience

Pratt has not been silent in the face of criticism. During an interview, he addressed concerns about his lack of experience, stating, “I may not have the experience, but I have the common sense to say this is not working.” This line, echoing the “Make America Great Again” slogan popularized by former president Donald Trump, has been a recurring theme in his ads. He frames his candidacy as a return to simplicity and accountability, a message that has found traction among younger voters and those disillusioned with the current political establishment.

Bass, meanwhile, has countered Pratt’s claims by emphasizing her deep understanding of city issues. “He doesn’t know the issues. He’s operating out of anger,” she said at a recent rally, accusing him of using emotion over evidence. Raman has taken a different tack, labeling Pratt an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and accusing him of lacking a coherent vision for the city. These critiques underscore the challenges he faces in a race that demands both charisma and competence.

A Reality Star’s Political Playbook

Pratt’s career has been a series of high-profile ventures, from reality TV to entrepreneurship. After *The Hills* ended in 2010, he expanded into other shows like *Celebrity Big Brother* and *I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!*. He later launched a business selling crystals, a move that combined his media personality with a niche market. These experiences have shaped his campaign style, which prioritizes accessibility and relatability over formal policy discussions.

His campaign’s use of AI-generated videos, which mock opponents and highlight his strengths, has been both a strength and a point of contention. Critics argue that such tactics prioritize spectacle over substance, while supporters see them as a necessary tool in an era of declining trust in traditional media. “We are going to get the golden age of Los Angeles back,” Pratt said in one of his ads, a slogan that has become a rallying cry for his base.

As the primary approaches, the question remains: Can a reality TV star with a reputation for drama and controversy become a respected leader in one of America’s most iconic cities? The answer may hinge on whether voters can see past his past antics and embrace his vision for a reformed Los Angeles. With his fundraising success and media presence, Pratt has made an indelible mark on the race, but his ability to bridge the gap between his image and his policies will determine his ultimate fate.

Los Angeles’s voters, known for their progressive leanings, are being asked to reconcile their expectations with the unconventional candidate. While some see Pratt as a refreshing alternative to the city’s establishment, others remain skeptical. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping public perception, as the primary serves as a referendum on whether a reality show villain can truly govern a major metropolis.