Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt among those facing off in Los Angeles mayoral race

Los Angeles residents are gearing up for the upcoming primary election to choose the city’s next mayor. The primary will feature 14 candidates, including the incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, reality TV star Spencer Pratt, and city Councilwoman Nithya Raman.

The candidates have been focusing on a range of issues affecting Los Angeles, such as recovering from the devastating 2025 wildfires, addressing homelessness, and dealing with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies.

Mayor Bass, a Democrat, has highlighted her experience in Congress and her efforts to address homelessness during her tenure. Raman, also a Democrat, has emphasized her background in urban planning and her commitment to bringing solutions to the city’s challenges. Pratt, a registered Republican, has positioned himself as an outsider with a focus on addressing the root causes of homelessness.

One of the major issues in the campaign has been the response to the Los Angeles wildfires, with candidates offering different perspectives on how to improve the city’s preparedness and recovery efforts. Homelessness has also been a key topic, with candidates proposing various approaches to provide support and resources to unhoused individuals.

Additionally, candidates have differing views on ICE enforcement in Los Angeles, with Mayor Bass and Raman advocating for more protections for immigrants and limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Pratt has taken a stance of prioritizing public safety to reduce the need for federal intervention.

The primary election will determine whether a candidate secures a majority of votes or if a runoff will be necessary to decide the top two contenders for the general election in November. Los Angeles residents will have the opportunity to voice their preferences on these critical issues and choose the leader who will guide the city forward.