LA mayoral race intensifies as Pratt's cash clashes with Bass and Raman's policies
The race for Los Angeles’ next mayor is heating up as three key candidates clash over policies and fundraising. Spencer Pratt has raised more money than rivals Karen Bass and Nithya Raman since January, though he still trails in the polls. Meanwhile, a televised debate on June 4 will give voters a chance to see the candidates side by side at the Skirball Cultural Center. Earlier this week, Bass and Raman faced off in a debate hosted by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association. The discussion covered local issues, including homelessness and infrastructure. Raman pledged to halve street homelessness by the 2028 Olympics if elected.
Pratt, though not leading in surveys, has gained attention for his unorthodox campaign strategies. His viral ad *They Not Like Us*, directed by Gabriel Mann, cost nothing to produce. High-profile supporters like *Entourage* creator Doug Ellin and Lakers executive Jeanie Buss—who donated the maximum $1,800—have backed his bid. Ellin has openly criticised Raman, while an industry veteran affected by the 2025 wildfires praised Pratt for pressing Bass on her handling of the deadly blazes. A studio executive living in Raman’s district recently slammed the city’s neglect of a historic industry landmark. The complaint highlighted broader frustrations over maintenance and urban decay under current leadership.
With the June 4 debate approaching, Pratt’s fundraising edge and celebrity endorsements contrast with his poll numbers. Raman’s homelessness pledge and Bass’s experience remain central to their campaigns. The outcome of this race could reshape how the city addresses its most pressing challenges in the years ahead.
