Republican Spencer Pratt’s Influence on L.A. Mayoral Election

Republican Spencer Pratt did not secure enough votes in June to participate in a runoff against Mayor Karen Bass. However, nearly 218,000 Angelenos in districts where Pratt received the most votes, including Pacific Palisades and other conservative neighborhoods, could significantly impact the decision over L.A.’s next mayor.

Prior to the November 3 election, both Bass and her opponent, Nithya Raman, must engage with Pratt supporters while retaining their liberal and progressive base. Analysts predict this to be challenging, considering Pratt’s continuous public criticism of both candidates. After praising Bass as a ‘skilled politician’ post-recent debate, Pratt shifted back to disparaging her on social media, describing her as an ‘evil witch’. Similarly, he labeled Raman as the ‘worst possible choice for Mayor’. Despite his vocal opinions, Pratt has refrained from endorsing either candidate.

Where Pratt Voters Currently Stand

Although Pratt would lead Los Angeles for the upcoming four years if it were up to Pacific Palisades, voters in this affluent coastal area are left choosing between two options they largely view as unfavorable. The Times interviewed several Palisades voters, finding mixed intentions ranging from plans to abstain from voting to reluctantly selecting a candidate.

Strategies to Appeal to Pratt Voters

Mayor Bass’s Approach

Bass’s campaign will leverage outside spending groups and align with credible messengers such as the Police Protective League, representing LAPD officers, to appeal to moderate and conservative voters without alienating her base. The union intends to spend on anti-Raman ads, highlighting both her association with the Democratic Socialists of America and the group’s controversial agenda.

Nithya Raman’s Strategy

Raman has fewer surrogate options to reach conservative Pratt voters. Instead, she will position herself as an anti-establishment candidate, emphasizing the negativity surrounding Bass. Her campaign, focusing on creating L.A. ‘A City That Works’, distances itself from ideological battles. Raman has made multiple visits to Pacific Palisades, engaging with residents, especially those affected by last year’s fire.

Fernando Guerra, a professor at Loyola Marymount University, comments there could be a divide in Pratt voters’ support between both candidates, with none likely securing more than 70%.

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