Candidates Intensify Campaign Efforts in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

This weekend, the leading candidates for mayor of Los Angeles made final appeals to voters ahead of Tuesday’s highly competitive primary election. Mayor Karen Bass energized crowds of labor union workers on Saturday. Supporters chanted “Four more years!” as several local and state Democratic leaders rallied behind the incumbent.

City Councilmember Nithya Raman spent Saturday interacting with business owners and supporters. She traveled between local restaurants and bars in an old-school yellow Scout convertible. Her aim was to connect with the community and share her plans.

Meanwhile, former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt organized a block party in Baldwin Village. His event featured barbecue food, free merchandise, and American-flag lawn chairs. Although initially off to the side, Pratt listened to concerns from Black residents. Recent polls show Pratt and Raman closing in on Bass. A survey co-sponsored by The Times showed Bass at 26%, Raman at 25%, and Pratt at 22%. The poll had a margin of error of 3% and indicated 10% of voters remain undecided.

In Tuesday’s jungle primary, only the top two candidates will proceed to a November runoff unless one gains over 50% of the vote. At a Saturday event in Baldwin Village, candidate Spencer Pratt spoke with caregiver Diane Waterhouse about homelessness and drug addiction. Waterhouse expressed belief in Pratt’s ability to win a majority. At Jim Gilliam Park, supporters chanted Pratt’s name and took selfies with his campaign vans featuring a hummingbird logo.

Pratt, who had previously spoken with animal welfare advocates, shifted discussions with residents away from cameras to hear their concerns. Bus driver Erica Helon expressed skepticism, emphasizing that past promises led to little change. Pratt provided his phone number to continue the conversation, expressing his desire to be a voice for the community.

Raman, focusing on policy plans, met with local restaurant owners Saturday. Around sunset, she and campaign staff gathered at Lowboy Bar in Echo Park. Recognized by young Angelenos, Raman engaged in conversations and photos.

Ryan Bergeron, a member of the Echo Park neighborhood council, praised Raman’s past work as a councilmember. He voiced hope for Los Angeles to tackle issues like affordability and sustainability. Raman’s campaign, without backing from major political machinery, emphasized grassroots outreach during a UCLA phone bank session. Graduate students called potential voters, aiming to propel Raman to the runoff. Stephanie Wert, a psychology graduate student and head steward for UAW, stressed the impact of their efforts.

Mayor Karen Bass attended an event with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and other political figures in Eagle Rock. Supporters commended Bass for improving the homelessness situation through her Inside Safe program. Venice resident Tatiana Barhar saw a reduction in homelessness during Bass’ term and supported her reelection.

Bass highlighted her administration’s achievements, noting reductions in crime rates and efforts to house the unhoused. “We have such a bright future,” Bass declared, urging supporters to stay involved in her campaign.

Pratt’s campaign over the weekend focused on intimate interactions, rather than media spectacles. He spent time at a Los Angeles community event in a Latino neighborhood and had recently conducted media interviews in New York to expand his message reach.