Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is headed to a November runoff. Her first term faced challenges like the city’s most destructive wildfire and widespread homelessness. She emphasizes a devotion to the city, while battling opponents from all sides.
Bass told supporters, “I appreciate you for standing with me when others doubted me. I have devoted my entire life to serving the city that I love, where I was born. I’m going to continue to do that all the way to victory in November.” The outcome of a second candidate advancing to the runoff remains uncertain due to California’s history of late vote changes as mail and drop-off ballots are counted.
Spencer Pratt, a Republican and former reality TV star, came second in early returns. He criticizes Bass for mismanaging fires and neglecting the homelessness issue. Pratt stated, “We can do debates every Friday if she would like.”
Pratt accused Bass of letting the city fall into disrepair. “I got in this because as a citizen, I felt like my city failed — myself, my neighbors, my family,” he said. “We don’t have sidewalks. We don’t have lights.”
Bass admits her term had difficulties but points to homelessness reduction and a low homicide rate as achievements. Nithya Raman, a progressive city council member, followed Pratt in the race, promising to reduce inequality and boost the entertainment industry.
A November runoff seemed likely with 14 candidates on the ballot. Among them, tech entrepreneur Adam Miller and community activist Rae Huang. Pratt’s campaign attracted national attention through dissatisfaction with city governance and viral AI-created videos.
Bass has the support of major Democratic figures and organizations, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Meanwhile, candidates pushed for voter turnout in the election.
Bass campaigned in Boyle Heights, highlighting past immigration raids during her tenure while suggesting opponents lacked presence. Pratt presented the contest as a direct battle with Bass, downplaying other candidates.
Voter opinions varied. Jose Rivera supported Bass for her commitment, while Leo Blain favored Raman’s approach to coalition-building.
The city’s future remains uncertain as Bass deals with prior challenges. Her absence during a key wildfire event in 2025 remains controversial, with recovery said to be slow by some. Pratt lost his home in that fire.
Statistics suggest Bass has made progress on homelessness, yet encampments and high living costs persist. Crime statistics show improvement, but public safety remains a concern with upcoming events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Bass acknowledges errors but cites evidence of her positive impact. She states, “I’ll keep fighting for LA.” Pratt, seeking to harness voter frustration, calls for change at city hall. His campaign targets homelessness and law enforcement, capitalizing on voter discontent.
A comment from President Trump identifying Pratt as a “big MAGA person” may harm his stance in a city where Trump is unpopular.
Reported by Associated Press writer Christopher Weber.