Pratt’s lead over Raman continues to shrink in LA mayor’s race as candidates battle to face Bass in November

Spencer Pratt’s Advantage Over Nithya Raman Diminishes in Los Angeles Mayor’s Race as November Runoff Nears

Pratt s lead over Raman continues – The race for Los Angeles mayor has entered a new phase, with Spencer Pratt’s lead over Councilmember Nithya Raman narrowing significantly. The reality TV star, who once held a commanding position in the second-place slot, is now seeing his support erode as the city’s incumbent mayor, Karen Bass, waits to determine her November opponent. Recent updates to the vote tally have shifted the dynamics, raising questions about the final standings before the runoff.

Close Contest Shapes Up as Election Day Approaches

With 64% of the ballots counted, Karen Bass maintains a slight edge over Spencer Pratt, securing 35% of the vote compared to Pratt’s 29%. Councilmember Nithya Raman, meanwhile, has closed the gap to 23%, according to the latest data. However, on Friday, Raman gained momentum, reaching 24.9%, while Pratt’s support dipped to 28.2%. This tightening of the race has prompted analysts to speculate about potential shifts in the final stretch.

“Pratt’s vote share has been steadily declining with each new batch of ballots, and we anticipate this trend to persist,” noted election data analyst Paul Mitchell. “The key question remains: will Pratt continue to lose ground, or will Raman emerge as the second-place contender?”

Before the election, the race was seen as a tight three-way contest, with Bass leading narrowly at 26% and Raman trailing closely at 25% in a May 28 UC Berkeley-LA Times poll. The poll, which had a margin of error of approximately 3%, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the outcome. “This is the closest race I’ve seen in decades, especially for Los Angeles,” said campaign strategist Luis Alvarado. “Everyone is essentially tied within the margin of error.”

Despite the initial deadlock, recent polling shows a clearer trajectory. The latest UC Berkeley-LA Times survey indicates that the undecided voter base has shrunk dramatically, from 40% in early May to just 10% as of the most recent count. This shift suggests that voters are increasingly solidifying their choices, though the competition remains fierce.

National Events Influence Local Race

The campaign has drawn national attention, fueled by major events in 2025. The devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires, which destroyed numerous homes, were followed by immigration enforcement raids and widespread protests. These incidents have framed the election as a test of leadership in times of crisis, affecting voter perceptions of the candidates.

Spencer Pratt’s eligibility has also become a focal point. The Los Angeles Times recently questioned his residency, prompting Pratt to defend his status. He argued that efforts to undermine his candidacy were “diabolical,” citing his stay in a trailer on his burned-out property as proof. In April, Pratt shared a social media post revealing he had been living in his father’s rental home in Santa Barbara County after the January 2025 fire. He later released a video of the Airstream trailer he claimed to occupy, using it as a visual representation of his struggles.

Pratt’s campaign has also taken a strategic turn, emphasizing the upscale residences of his opponents in attack ads. His team has even incorporated artificial intelligence-generated advertisements, which have drawn scrutiny for employing the “MAGA strategy” to highlight the weaknesses of Bass and Raman. These tactics have been a point of discussion among political observers, who note their effectiveness in capturing public attention.

Incumbent Mayor’s Legacy and Challenges

Karen Bass, the current mayor, is preparing for her final campaign for public office. Having served for over two decades in various roles, including as a congresswoman and the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles, she faces the challenge of securing her place in the November runoff. “This race will be my last foray into public service,” Bass stated to CBS LA, reflecting on her extensive career.

Before her congressional tenure, Bass represented Los Angeles in the state Assembly from 2004 to 2010, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position of Speaker of a state legislative body. Her political journey has been marked by a blend of legislative achievements and local governance. “I think we are dealing with an electorate that is skeptical of all elected officials,” she told CBS LA. “But it is my responsibility to win their trust.”

During her four-year term, Bass has navigated a series of critical challenges, including the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes, the 2025 Palisades Fire, and the ongoing homelessness crisis. These issues have tested her leadership, with the city’s budget facing a $1 billion shortfall in recent years. Despite these hurdles, Bass has highlighted her administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy and improve public services.

“First of all, while the nation’s homelessness rate increased by 18%, we managed to reduce it by 18%,” Bass said. “Our streets are safer now, and we have restored basic city services like streetlights. Crime levels have dropped to record lows, which is a testament to our work.”

The recent developments in the race have placed Bass in a precarious position. While she remains the frontrunner, the narrowing gap between her and Pratt, coupled with Raman’s rise, has created a scenario where the outcome is far from certain. Analysts suggest that the final weeks of the campaign could determine the fate of the mayoral race.

Turning Points in the Campaign

As the election draws closer, the candidates are sharpening their messages. Pratt has focused on personal narratives, emphasizing his resilience in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Raman has positioned herself as a reformer, advocating for changes in city governance and public policy. Bass, on the other hand, continues to highlight her track record of leadership, vowing to address the city’s most pressing issues.

The competition has also intensified with the release of new advertisements. Pratt’s team has leveraged AI to create targeted content, aiming to sway undecided voters. These ads have been criticized for their aggressive tone and for echoing the rhetoric of the MAGA movement. However, they have proven effective in capturing the attention of a polarized electorate.

With the November runoff just weeks away, the race is set to reach its climax. Voters are now faced with the decision of whether to support the incumbent or shift their backing to a challenger. The next few days will be crucial in determining the final standings, as the candidates prepare to face off in the decisive election.