Los Angeles mayoral race draws attention with viral moments, surprise rise of Bass challenger Pratt

ATLANTA — The Los Angeles mayoral race has increasingly drawn national attention, transforming from a local contest into one of the more unconventional municipal races in recent memory.

Mayor Karen Bass (D) faces a challenge on Tuesday from 15 candidates, including former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, whose candidacy has surged from novelty to serious contender. The nonpartisan primary sends the top two vote-getting candidates to a runoff if no one wins 50 percent or more of the vote.

Recent polling from Emerson College/Inside California Politics shows Pratt, a Republican, has gained significant popularity over the past two months, jumping from outsider candidate status into serious runoff contention.

In May, Pratt appears to be receiving about 22 percent support as he trails behind Bass’s 30 percent support. At least 16 percent say they’re still undecided. 

President Trump has also signaled support for Pratt, saying: “I’d like to see him do well.” 

Pratt on Wednesday accused Bass of violating election law, which her campaign dismissed.

“We just filed a formal complaint for illegally gaming the election. We must protect our democracy. Electioneering within 100 feet of a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW. Soliciting votes at a ballot box is AGAINST THE LAW. These clear violations show a reckless disregard for the rule of law and our democratic process.”

Bass’s campaign told The Hill that the video was filmed at two locations, a park and an area with a ballot drop box. These locations were more than 200 feet apart, and campaign signs were used........

© The Hill