Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV persona, has become a serious contender in the Los Angeles mayoral race, with the primary set for Tuesday. The election, featuring Pratt, former mayoral hopeful Karen Bass, and City Council member Nithya Raman, is shaping up to be a dramatic contest.
Pratt's Unconventional Campaign
Karen Bass recently referenced Spencer Pratt's past on The Hills, calling him a "TV reality star villain". Pratt's campaign has gained traction with viral AI ads depicting him as Batman battling political figures portrayed as villains, including Bass as the Joker.
Pratt, who polls at 22% according to a recent L.A. Times/U.C. Berkeley survey, lags just behind Bass at 26% and Raman at 25%. His team hopes to capture the 'silent vote', drawing comparisons to Donald Trump's unexpected support in 2024.
Challenges for Pratt and Other Contenders
Despite his online success, Pratt's campaign lacks a strong ground game, contrasting sharply with New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's extensive grassroots efforts. With a voter turnout of 600,000 in the 2022 primary, the margin of victory could be razor-thin. Other candidates, like progressive Rae Chen Huang and centrist Adam Miller, also vie for a share of the vote, combining for 14%.
The race's stakes are high, with celebrities endorsing candidates: Jane Fonda, Samuel L. Jackson, and JJ Abrams back Bass, while Mindy Kaling, Adam Scott, and Chelsea Handler support Raman. Pratt's celebrity supporters include Joe Rogan, Katharine McPhee, and Paris Hilton.
Governor's Race: Becerra in the Lead
Meanwhile, the governor's race sees Xavier Becerra leading at 28% in the latest Emerson College poll. He is followed by Tom Steyer at 22% and Steve Hilton at 21%. Becerra's policies focus on streaming-data transparency and maintaining the $750 million tax credit limit, while Steyer and Hilton advocate for increased tax incentives.
Becerra's plans include a California-wide entertainment summit, aiming to benefit the industry, while Steyer's backing by IATSE highlights his appeal to entertainment workers. Hilton proposes the most aggressive tax breaks, potentially increasing credits up to 60%.
Impact on Hollywood
The primary outcomes could have significant implications for Hollywood, particularly regarding film tax credits and policy decisions affecting the entertainment industry. As the races unfold, candidates' positions on these issues will be closely monitored.
With both the mayoral and gubernatorial contests at critical junctures, voters face pivotal decisions that will influence California's political landscape and its entertainment sector.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/spencer-pratt-voting-california-la-mayor-primary-1236611179/
