A former reality television personality is mounting an unexpected campaign for Los Angeles mayor while simultaneously pursuing legal action against the city he hopes to lead. Spencer Pratt, 42, who lost his home in the devastating Palisades wildfire last year, has emerged as a surprising contender in the mayoral race despite having no prior political experience.
Pratt is among approximately 5,000 Palisades residents who have filed lawsuits against Los Angeles, California, the Department of Water and Power, and other entities, claiming their negligence contributed to the wildfire that destroyed numerous homes and devastated the neighborhood. The legal action, filed on January 21, 2025, before the fire was fully contained, alleges that failures in the water supply system hindered firefighting efforts.
According to court documents, the plaintiffs argue that an empty reservoir awaiting repairs to its cover contributed to low water pressure, which impeded firefighters’ ability to combat the blaze. The complaint states that the fire was an unavoidable consequence of how the water supply system servicing Pacific Palisades was planned and constructed, asserting that the system necessarily failed.
The lawsuit has been consolidated with numerous other claims into a mass tort case currently in the discovery phase. It has already survived demurrers from both the city and state and is proceeding toward trial.
Despite the apparent conflict of interest, Pratt’s attorney, Peter McNulty, maintains that his client would handle the situation ethically if elected. McNulty suggested that Pratt would need to establish a separation between his mayoral duties and any ongoing litigation, potentially recusing himself from certain decisions related to the lawsuit.
Recent polling data from Emerson College shows incumbent Mayor Karen Bass leading with 35 percent of likely voters, while Pratt and another candidate, Nithya Raman, are tied at 23 percent each. Political analysts note that Bass would be heavily favored in a potential two-way runoff against Pratt, given the city’s Democratic leanings. Los Angeles has not had a Republican mayor in 25 years.
Pratt’s campaign has gained traction through social media, where he and his supporters have distributed numerous campaign videos, many utilizing artificial intelligence technology. His political approach has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump, who recently commented on Pratt’s campaign, stating he would like to see him do well and describing him as a character.
Beyond the wildfire issue, Pratt’s campaign has focused heavily on homelessness, advocating for mandatory drug treatment programs for unhoused individuals. He has characterized the homelessness crisis primarily as a drug addiction problem rather than a housing issue, contrasting with opponents who emphasize the need for more housing solutions.
The city’s homeless population has shown modest declines over the past two years, dropping from a peak of approximately 46,000 in 2023 to around 43,000 currently. Large encampments that proliferated during the pandemic have become less common.
Political consultants suggest that while homelessness remains a significant concern, affordability has emerged as the primary issue for voters. Democratic political consultant Bill Carrick notes that voter frustration reflects broader economic pressures that residents associate with city government.
Pratt has indicated that his decision to remain in Los Angeles depends on the election outcome, stating in a recent podcast interview that he would consider relocating if the current leadership remains in place. He expressed confidence in winning his lawsuit and suggested he would use any settlement money to rebuild if elected mayor.
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