Spencer Pratt’s sharp debate performance this week was so effective in cutting through the noise and bluntly laying out Los Angeles’ many crises that even some Democratic strategists are saying the former reality TV star may have a real chance to win the mayor’s race.
“Spencer Pratt made me laugh, not because he made any jokes but because he had answers that resonated with Angelenos,” tweeted Michael Trujillo, a former senior adviser to Hillary Clinton who also served as her California field director during the 2008 presidential race.
“The dude is a vibe check for the entire city.”
Pratt, who’s best known for his role on the MTV reality series “The Hills,” has leaned into his unconventional background throughout his campaign, positioning himself as a truthteller on issues such as crime, drugs, homelessness and the cost of living — themes that have dominated political discourse in Los Angeles.
His viral campaign video “They Not Like Us” also fanned out across the internet after Pratt juxtaposed the affluent homes of Mayor Karen Bass and lefty Councilmember Nithya Raman with shots of homelessness and squalor — as well as his trailer, which is perched on the ruins of his property after it was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
Elizabeth Ashford, a Democratic political strategist, told The Post that Pratt’s climb in the polls may continue after he eviscerated the mayor, who leads the race, and Raman in Wednesday’s debate.
“I think he surprised viewers by articulating things that are on a lot of people’s minds in a direct way,” Ashford said.
“I don’t think anybody should underestimate the power of that.
“Spencer Pratt doesn’t bring experience to the race, but he brings a perspective that Angelenos are living with — it feels like the response to the Palisades fire and the exodus in Hollywood and the response to crime and homelessness has been totally inadequate.”
Pratt’s candid delivery — eschewing wonkish details for visceral criticism — could help him connect with Los Angeles voters who feel disengaged from traditional political messaging, especially around issues such as homelessness and the drug crisis.
“The reality is no matter how many beds you give these people, they are on super meth, they are on fentanyl,” Pratt said during the debate.
“The DEA statistics say 93% of this is a drug addiction problem. Councilman Raman’s plan for treatment first, I will go below the Harbor Freeway tomorrow with her, and we can find some of the people she can offer treatment for — she’s going to get stabbed in the neck.”
Still, questions remain about whether Pratt’s communication style can translate into a viable governing agenda.
“Even though he’s not an experienced politician or leader, saying truthful things out loud is very powerful,” Ashford said.
“On the balance, I think as a communicator he did a good job. Now will that translate into policies that are legal and enforceable? That’s very much to be determined.”
Democrats are now looking at the candidates and wondering if billionaire Rick Caruso’s wobbling on jumping into the race may have kept other qualified candidates from challenging Bass due to campaign spending concerns. Caruso, who ultimately decided to refrain from running, dropped more than $100 million in the 2022 mayor’s race.
“Rick Caruso kept the moat open for so long that other people didn’t jump in,” Ashford said.
“There was absolutely space for someone to come in with pragmatic stuff and not gaslight everybody, and he didn’t step up.”
Trujillo surmised that conservative turnout will be key for Pratt.
“[T]he only question is do Republicans turn in their ballots today or lose them, get distracted and come in with an abysmal 30ish to low 40ish percentile turnout,” Trujillo wrote.
“The answer to your wish sits on the kitchen countertop.”
