Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass appeared to compare challenger Spencer Pratt to President Donald Trump as the city’s surprisingly competitive mayoral race entered its final stretch before Election Day.
Bass is seeking a second term against Pratt, the former reality television star best known for The Hills, and City Councilmember Nithya Raman.
Recent polling has shown a tight race, with no candidate expected to win more than 50% in Tuesday’s primary.
If no candidate clears that threshold, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.
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During an Instagram livestream Saturday, Bass criticized Pratt while speaking with two actresses.
“You have a failed reality TV star who wants to be famous,” Bass said.
She then appeared to reference Trump, saying, “We know what it means if you put somebody who is a reality TV star in a seat of power.”
The comment underscored Bass’ effort to frame Pratt as unqualified and politically risky as his campaign gains attention across Los Angeles.
Bass spent the final weekend campaigning across the city.
At Yosemite Recreation Center in Eagle Rock, she was seen serving tacos while wearing an apron with the slogan “Common Sense and Carne Asada.”
Bass is backed by several high-profile Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Pratt, meanwhile, has built his campaign around frustration with homelessness, crime, drug addiction and the city’s wildfire response.
His campaign gained traction after the January 2025 wildfires destroyed thousands of structures, including his Pacific Palisades home.
Pratt has repeatedly criticized Bass over the city’s response and the pace of recovery.
He has also attacked Nithya Raman on social media, including criticism of her campaign ads.
Raman, who remains competitive in the race, urged supporters to vote after polling showed her still in contention despite heavy outside spending against her.
“After millions of dollars of spending against us, we are still here and we are still competitive,” Raman said in an Instagram video.
The race has become a test of whether voter frustration over homelessness, crime and wildfire recovery can shake up politics in one of America’s most Democratic cities.
Pratt faces a difficult path as a registered Republican in Los Angeles, where Democrats dominate local elections.
But his celebrity profile, online momentum and outsider message have made the race more unpredictable than expected.
Bass’ Trump comparison suggests her campaign sees Pratt’s reality TV background as both his strength and vulnerability.
For Pratt’s supporters, his outsider status is part of the appeal.
For Bass, it is a warning.
Why It Matters
The LA mayoral race is becoming a high-profile test of whether frustration over local issues can overcome party loyalty in a heavily Democratic city. Bass’ Trump comparison shows her campaign is trying to turn Pratt’s celebrity background into a political liability.
What Comes Next
Voters head to the polls Tuesday. If no candidate wins more than 50%, Bass, Pratt and Raman will battle for a spot in the November runoff, where the race could become even more nationalized.
Pratt accused Bass of failing on homelessness and claimed LA’s nonprofit system has become a major campaign issue as voters prepare to choose the next mayor.
🚨 HOLY SMOKES. Spencer Pratt reveals LA Mayor Karen Bass is in EMAIL CHAINS with NGOs and individuals being investigated by the Department of Justice
“THEY’RE ALL CRIMINALS.”
“[Karen Bass] is connected to a mafia-like organization, the NGOs that are stealing BILLIONS of our… pic.twitter.com/IzYKrNWJBn
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 30, 2026
