Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will face City Councilwoman Nithya Raman in November after late ballot counts pushed Raman ahead of former reality television personality Spencer Pratt in the city’s mayoral primary. 

Bass secured the largest share of the vote but failed to clear the majority threshold required to avoid a runoff. Raman ultimately overtook Pratt as mail-in ballots continued to be counted, setting up a contest between two Democrats with competing visions for the future of America’s second-largest city. 

Pratt, who entered the race after losing his home in the 2025 Palisades wildfire, had emerged as an unconventional candidate focused on crime, homelessness, and government accountability. Backed by President Donald Trump, the Republican outsider attracted national attention and briefly held second place before being edged out by Raman during the prolonged ballot-counting process. 

Raman, a progressive council member and Democratic Socialist, has criticized Bass’ approach to homelessness and campaigned on expanding housing production and reforming city services. Although she previously endorsed Bass, the two now find themselves in a five-month battle for City Hall. 

The race comes as Los Angeles continues to grapple with homelessness, public safety concerns, economic challenges, and recovery efforts following last year’s devastating wildfires. Bass has emphasized continuity and rebuilding efforts, while Raman has positioned herself as an agent of change seeking to overhaul what she describes as a broken status quo. 

Pratt’s elimination marks the end of one of the most unusual campaigns in recent Los Angeles history, but the November runoff is expected to highlight broader debates over governance, public spending, and the direction of one of America’s most influential cities.