Los Angeles mayoral race heats up as Spencer Pratt runs after wildfire
After wildfires in Los Angeles destroyed his home, mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt released a powerful Mother’s Day video that has gone viral. Samantha Ettus, an activist who also lost her home in the Palisades fires, explains why she’s supporting Pratt against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Ettus criticizes Bass’ management of the city’s escalating homelessness crisis and slow rebuilding efforts, with only 30 of 16,000 structures reconstructed.
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Magic Johnson broke with his former Los Angeles Lakers boss on Monday and endorsed Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Bass posted a video of Johnson’s endorsement on her social media. Johnson’s endorsement of Bass came after Jeanie Buss appeared to endorse Spencer Pratt in the race.
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Magic Johnson attends the unveiling of a statue honoring former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 22, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Johnson said his 30-year friendship with Bass and her actions against homelessness and lowering the homicide rate were part of the reasons he supported her.
“She’s doing a great job. Mayor Bass is due for a second term and I’m excited to say that,” Johnson said. “Look, you’ve taken on a tough job here, and you’ve done a great job, and we all appreciate your efforts and what you’re doing, and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things you have in store — your vision for the city.”
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Los Angeles Lakers CEO and co-owner Jeanie Buss wears a new Lakers jersey during a 2021 event. (Allen J. Schaben/LA Times via Getty Images)
Johnson did not mention one of the issues that has allowed Pratt to gain support in the race — her handling of the 2025 wildfires that led to at least a dozen deaths and billions in damage.
Pratt has continued to grill Bass over her response to the wildfires.
Buss appeared to show support for Pratt last month when she donated 1,800 to his mayoral campaign, according to FOX 11 in Los Angeles. This is the maximum donation allowed by law.
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt is running against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the race to lead the nation’s second largest city. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images and Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
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The former “Hills” star was also spotted with Buss at a Lakers playoff game over the weekend.
