Typically, Los Angeles mayors secure a second term with ease, often overcoming minimal opposition in the primary. However, Karen Bass’ prospects for a seamless reelection were likely derailed on January 7, 2025, when the Palisades fire devastated approximately 6,800 structures, including the residence of reality star Spencer Pratt.
In response to the fire, Pratt has channeled his influence as a social media personality to spearhead a campaign focusing on addressing homelessness and disorder. Although it seems Bass might face a runoff, she appears unconcerned about Pratt, known from “The Hills.”
“Reality TV — that’s a good thing. Lots of jobs in reality TV,” Bass stated at a May 21 event with Hollywood unions. “But being the star of a reality TV show is very different than running the nation’s second-largest city, and one does not qualify you for the other.”
Job opportunities in reality TV have declined significantly, with production down 71% from the five-year average, according to FilmLA. This downturn has become a focal point in the campaign, with both Pratt and Councilwoman Nithya Raman criticizing Bass for not preventing the industry’s departure from the city.
During an event at Sunset Las Palmas Studios, Bass highlighted her efforts to support the industry through tax incentives, reduced permit fees, and the appointment of a film czar to ease bureaucratic challenges for productions.
“We will never abandon the industry,” she declared. “The industry is a part of our DNA.”
While reality TV might not prepare someone to be mayor, it could be beneficial for campaign strategies. When asked if she intended to mimic Pratt’s attention-seeking tactics, Bass said she did not.
“No, I think it’s really important that I do my job, which is what I have done every single day,” she explained, “and that I continue to do that and communicate to people what is being done and what we have done.”
Before addressing the audience, Bass discussed with labor leaders the likelihood of facing Pratt, a Republican, in the November runoff. Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 4-to-1, making Bass prefer this matchup over facing Raman, another Democrat. She noted Raman’s limited support on the city council, which could hinder her ability to form alliances as mayor.
In response, Raman expressed to Variety her collaboration with colleagues on renter protections and other initiatives, and cited her candidacy as a response to dissatisfaction with the city’s direction.
“I know we can do better,” Raman asserted.
Pratt’s campaign declined to comment.
Bass, who was elected four years ago, promised to tackle homelessness without resorting to criminalization. She expressed surprise at the resistance from some on the left to removing people from the streets.
“The biggest shock to me was the fact that I was coming against people who actually don’t think
street homelessness is a problem,” she told Variety. “It was beyond my imagination that there would
be people who think it’s OK to be on the street.”
