'The Hills' villain makes a splash as candidate for LA mayor
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Spencer Pratt, known for his villainous role on reality TV’s “The Hills,” is running for mayor of Los Angeles, positioning himself as a populist candidate promising to tackle homelessness and city dysfunction.
- Pratt’s campaign, marked by viral AI-generated videos and hardline stances against homelessness and local Democratic leaders, has gained unexpected traction ahead of the June 2 election.
- Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat facing criticism over her handling of recent wildfires, is Pratt’s main opponent; she retains strong support from the city’s Democratic establishment and labor unions.
- Pratt leverages his reality TV fame and a political science degree to appeal to voters frustrated with current governance, but faces significant challenges in a predominantly Democratic city.
- Political strategists note Pratt’s campaign is effective in generating buzz and anger among voters, yet warn that his Republican affiliation poses a significant hurdle in Los Angeles’ heavily Democratic electorate.