Donald Trump’s endorsement is typically a boon for candidates seeking elected office – a show of support, or disapproval, from the president has proved significant in races across the US this year. But Trump’s recent comments on the Los Angeles mayor’s race, just weeks before the primary, are sure to benefit Democrats. The president spoke favorably of Spencer Pratt, a former Republican and reality TV star who is polling second in the contest to lead America’s second-largest city.
Trump Praises Pratt as 'Big Maga Person'
“I’d like to see him do well. I don’t know him. I assume he probably supports me,” Trump told a reporter on Wednesday. “I heard he’s a big Maga person.” Spencer Pratt was a noughties reality TV villain, best known for his role on The Hills. He lost his home in last year’s wildfires and became a vocal critic of the city’s response and Mayor Karen Bass’s leadership. Pratt has harnessed anger over the slow recovery, cost-of-living crisis, and homelessness emergency to advance his campaign.
Polling Second but Facing Uphill Battle
Pratt is polling second behind Bass, a longtime state lawmaker, congresswoman, and high-profile Democrat. Still, he has his work cut out trying to win over skeptical voters and defeat Bass and progressive city councilor Nithya Raman. As Zev Yaroslavsky, who spent almost four decades in local politics, recently told the Guardian, the most unpopular person in Los Angeles is Donald Trump. “That’s where Pratt has vulnerability,” Yaroslavsky said.
The city has long been a liberal stronghold. Trump has been particularly unpopular in Los Angeles, especially after immigration agents began detaining people on city streets, sparking protests, and the president deployed the US military to quell backlash. Pratt, previously a registered Republican, has said he is not Maga, arguing his focus as mayor would be solely on the city rather than national politics.
Opponents Seize on Trump's Nod
But his opponents were quick to seize on Trump’s approval. “Both Trump and Pratt want ICE to invade our city and kidnap our neighbors. I stood up to ICE to protect our communities,” Bass said, adding that neither of her challengers are “up to the job.” Raman said Trump wants a foothold in a progressive city. “It’s no surprise Donald Trump supports his LA Apprentice and ‘Big MAGA person’ Spencer Pratt,” Raman wrote. “Your vote for my campaign stops Spencer Pratt from making it to the general election.”
Navigating a Fine Line
Political analysts say Pratt cannot appear as a conservative Republican if he wants to win. He has had to tread a fine line, acknowledging support from prominent Republicans while appealing to a diverse electorate by tapping into frustrations over quality-of-life issues. In an interview with CNN, Pratt said he registered as a Republican because the party supported concealed carry permits, after he received death threats during his reality TV days. On Billy Bush’s podcast, Pratt emphasized local priorities: water, power, police, fire department, potholes, sidewalks, and streetlights. “That has nothing to do with national politics or who is in the White House,” he said. “I keep telling people it’s a nonpartisan race.”
