Spencer Pratt Gains Support in LA Mayoral Race, Says Lawmaker

<p>Spencer Pratt, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles, is gaining traction among voters, according to Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican from California. Issa stated that Pratt is resonating with the city's predominantly Democratic electorate by proposing practical solutions to ongoing issues under the current mayor, Karen Bass.</p><p>Pratt, known for his role on the reality show "The Hills," has highlighted what he claims are Bass' failures in managing wildfires that destroyed over 18,000 structures, including his own home, as well as issues related to homelessness, drug addiction, and crime.</p><p>Issa remarked that Pratt is appealing to traditional Democratic voters due to Bass' perceived ineffectiveness. He noted, "Every time she opens her mouth, she's talking about more of the same to people who have seen their streets, both crime-ridden and in fact … ineffectively managed."</p><p>Pratt is competing in a nonpartisan primary scheduled for June 2 against Bass and socialist City Council member Nithya Rahman. Polls indicate that all three candidates are closely matched, although Bass has the backing of prominent Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom.</p><p>Despite being a registered Republican, Pratt is officially running as an independent, which may help him appeal to a broader voter base in a city where less than 20% identify as Republican. Bass-aligned groups have criticized his party affiliation in their advertisements.</p><p>Issa pointed out that Los Angeles has previously elected mayors with Republican ties, citing Dick Riordan, who served as mayor in the late 1990s. He noted, "He goes down in history as a period in which Los Angeles did improve very much, like New York and Rudy Giuliani."</p><p>Pratt has attempted to focus the campaign on local issues rather than national politics, stating, "In L.A., they want to feel safe, they don’t want to step in human poop." He also mentioned that he does not require endorsements from political figures, emphasizing the importance of support from local residents.</p>