LA Mayor Karen Bass heads to run-off vote

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has moved into the run-off stage of the city’s mayoral election, moving one step

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has moved into the run-off stage of the city’s mayoral election, moving one step closer to securing a second term as leader of California’s largest city.

According to projections, Bass was the first candidate to qualify for the November run-off after early vote counts placed her ahead of her rivals. However, it is still not clear who she will face in the final round.

The contest is expected to be between city council member Nithya Raman, a fellow Democrat, and Republican newcomer Spencer Pratt, a former reality television personality who has surprised many with his strong showing.

Preliminary results show Bass leading with about 36.5 percent of the vote, while Pratt holds around 29.5 percent and Raman follows with approximately 21 percent. Final results are still being counted.

Los Angeles uses a “jungle primary” system. In this system, all candidates compete together regardless of party. The top two candidates advance to the final election if no one wins more than 50 percent of the vote.

Bass, a long-time Democratic politician, has served in Congress for several terms before becoming mayor. She also previously led the Congressional Black Caucus and worked extensively on foreign affairs policy.

Her time as mayor has been dominated by major urban challenges, especially homelessness, housing affordability, and public safety concerns. She has also overseen emergency responses to major wildfires that affected Southern California in recent years.

One of the most devastating incidents during her term was a large wildfire in 2025 that destroyed thousands of homes and killed multiple residents. The city’s response faced criticism from opposition figures and affected communities.

Spencer Pratt, a political outsider and former reality TV star, entered the race with a focus on reforming city management. He has positioned himself as a critic of the current administration’s handling of homelessness and public safety.

Pratt has never held public office before but has gained attention for his outspoken campaign style and promises to address crime, addiction, and homelessness through stricter policies.

Nithya Raman, a city council member and urban planner, entered the race later than expected. She initially supported Bass but later decided to run independently, surprising many political observers.

Raman’s campaign focuses on expanding affordable housing and addressing homelessness through structural reforms. She has argued that current policies have not gone far enough to solve the crisis.

Meanwhile, other major elections are also underway in California, including the governor’s race, where ballots are still being counted.

The broader election cycle is seen as an important indicator of political trends ahead of the national midterm elections. Issues such as housing costs, immigration, and public safety remain central to voter concerns.

The final mayoral run-off in November will determine who leads Los Angeles as the city prepares for major upcoming events, including the 2028 Olympic Games.