Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has significantly outpaced other candidates in fundraising, as shown in the latest campaign finance reports. From April 19 to May 16, Pratt raised about $2.72 million. In comparison, incumbent mayor Karen Bass gathered approximately $283,000. Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman reported raising about $400,000 in the same period, which included a $60,000 loan to her campaign.
Overall, Pratt’s contributions have reached $3.26 million as of May 16. This slightly exceeds Bass, who reported $3.13 million. Raman has gathered over $931,000 in total contributions.
Spencer Pratt, known for his reality television career, joined the mayoral race following the loss of his home in the Palisades Fire. His campaign has gained attention through viral videos. Pratt criticizes Bass for her management of the fire and issues like public safety and homelessness. Early voting is in progress ahead of the June 2 election.
Pratt’s recent fundraising success suggests he may secure enough votes for a November runoff. Still, he faces challenges in a predominantly Democratic city, where no Republican mayor has been elected since 1997. Although the mayoral election is nonpartisan, Pratt is a registered Republican supported by President Donald Trump.
Polls indicate Bass remains the favorite, though not by a sufficient margin to avoid a runoff. Pratt and Raman are competing closely for the second position.
What The Polls Say
A poll from Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics indicates 30 percent support for Bass, increasing from 20 percent in March. Pratt follows with 22 percent, up from 10 percent in March, and Raman holds 19 percent. Undecided respondents decreased from 51 percent in March to 16 percent in May. The poll was conducted from May 9 to 10 among 1,000 likely primary voters, with a margin of error of 3 percent.
Another poll by Tavern Research also places Bass in the lead with 22 percent support, Pratt at 18 percent, and Raman at 16 percent. Initially, 46 percent were undecided, which dropped to 29 percent after a follow-up. This survey involved 531 likely Los Angeles primary voters online between May 1 and 4, with a margin of error of 6.1 percent.
What the Prediction Markets Show
Prediction markets are platforms where the likelihood of outcomes is traded as percentages. These markets offer quick aggregations of information but are susceptible to bias and speculative swings.
Bass’s odds have increased recently. As of early Monday, she traded at 71 percent, up from 56 percent the previous week. Pratt was at 22 percent, a slight decrease from 24 percent a week ago, and Raman at 10 percent, down from 16 percent. Kalshi, a U.S.-regulated exchange, showed similar trends with Bass at 67 percent, Pratt at 27 percent, and Raman at 7 percent.
What Happens Next
The primary election takes place on June 2. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two vote-getters will proceed to a runoff on November 3.