Grassroots Momentum: Raman Closes In on Reality-TV Candidate Pratt in LA Mayoral Race
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Councilwoman Nithya Raman’s people-powered campaign is rapidly eroding Spencer Pratt’s slim lead in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, while progressive champion Xavier Becerra secures a place in the California governor’s runoff.
The Los Angeles mayoral primary is witnessing a surge of grassroots energy as the latest count from the county registrar reveals establishment-backed reality-TV figure Spencer Pratt clinging to a precarious one-point lead (27.3% to 26.2%) over progressive City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, with 78% of votes tallied. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, a steadfast advocate for social justice, has already been projected to advance to the runoff, where she will face either Pratt, a Republican whose campaign has been buoyed by corporate interests, or Raman, a Democrat who has mobilized working-class Angelenos.
In the statewide governor’s race, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a champion for marginalized communities, was projected to advance to the November general election, overtaking Republican Steve Hilton, a candidate favored by conservative donors. Billionaire Tom Steyer, emblematic of the influence of wealth in politics, remains in third place and is contesting the second spot.
Political analysts emphasized that both races remain open as more ballots are counted, with California’s top-two primary system advancing the two highest vote-getters regardless of party. If elected, Becerra would make history as the first Latino governor of California since 1875, a significant milestone for representation.
"Spencer Pratt has been losing share of the vote with every one of these new ballot dumps, and we expect that to continue," said political data analyst Paul Mitchell, highlighting the momentum behind Raman’s campaign. "The question is, will he drop? Will Nithya Raman rise?" Mitchell noted that a pivotal moment could see Raman’s progressive movement overtake Pratt’s celebrity-driven campaign.
Pratt, who has relied on name recognition and establishment support, said he was prepared for any outcome. Raman, who entered the race late and without institutional backing, inspired supporters after polls closed by reaffirming her commitment to a "long shot" campaign built on a bold, people-first vision for the city.
County officials have up to 30 days to count provisional ballots, and mail-in votes postmarked by Election Day must be counted if received within seven days, ensuring every voice is heard in this critical contest.