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June 7, 2026
LOS ANGELES — What appeared to be a clear path to the November mayoral runoff for former reality television star Spencer Pratt has suddenly become a much steeper climb.
According to the latest vote count released by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has overtaken Pratt in the race for second place, a dramatic shift after days of steadily narrowing margins as election officials continue processing outstanding ballots.
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass secured enough support shortly after Election Day to lock up the first runoff position, leaving Raman and Pratt battling for the second and final spot on the November ballot.
Pratt, best known for his role on MTV’s “The Hills,” appeared poised to advance after early election returns showed him holding a narrow lead over Raman. However, as additional ballots were counted, Raman surged ahead, fueled by strong support in renter-heavy and traditionally progressive neighborhoods including Hollywood and Highland Park.
A member of the Los Angeles City Council, Nithya Raman entered the race emphasizing housing affordability and homelessness policies. Her late gains have transformed one of the state’s most closely watched local races.
Pratt campaigned on promises to crack down on crime, expand police resources and improve city services, tapping into voter concerns over public safety, homelessness and recovery efforts following last year’s wildfires.
Just weeks before the election, polling showed Bass, Raman and Pratt separated by only a few percentage points. With vote counting continuing, the battle for the second runoff spot remains one of the most surprising storylines of the 2026 election cycle.
Election officials are expected to release additional vote updates in the coming days.
LOS ANGELES — Fresh off securing a first-place finish in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, Mayor Karen Bass’ reelection campaign is already sharpening its attacks against likely runoff opponent Nithya Raman.
In a statement released following updated election results, Bass campaign spokesperson Alex Stack criticized Raman’s positions on homelessness, policing and economic issues.
“We look forward to winning a contest against an opponent who allows encampments near schools and fights against hiring more cops, yet is MIA on saving Hollywood jobs and fighting back when ICE invades LA,” Stack said.
The Bass campaign pointed to recent declines in homelessness, noting that street homelessness in Los Angeles has fallen for two consecutive years and is down nearly 18% since Bass took office.
Campaign officials also highlighted public safety gains, saying Bass has worked to expand police hiring despite opposition from Raman and that both violent and property crime have declined during her administration.
The mayor’s campaign further touted efforts to address affordability through housing construction, infrastructure improvements and a citywide streetlight repair program. Officials noted Bass recently unveiled Los Angeles’ first comprehensive infrastructure plan.
A central line of attack against Raman centers on her opposition to policies restricting homeless encampments near schools, day care centers, senior centers and other sensitive locations. The Bass campaign cited past comments from Raman questioning whether moving encampments farther from schools would improve student safety.
The escalating rhetoric signals what could become a contentious runoff campaign as Bass and Raman prepare to make their cases to voters ahead of the November election.
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