Los Angeles mayoral race heats up as Spencer Pratt runs for reelection after wildfire devastation
After the Los Angeles wildfires devastated his home, mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt posted a powerful Mother’s Day video that went viral. Samantha Ettus, an activist who also lost her home in the Palisades fires, explains why she supports Pratt against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Ettus criticizes Bass’s handling of the city’s growing homeless crisis and the slow pace of rebuilding efforts, with only 30 of 16,000 structures rebuilt.
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Magic Johnson parted ways with his former Los Angeles Lakers boss on Monday and endorsed Karen Bass in the race for Los Angeles mayor.
Bass posted a video of Johnson’s support on his social media. Johnson’s support for Bass came after Jeanie Buss appeared to support 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 the 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 addressing homelessness and reducing homicide rates were part of the reason he supported her.
“She’s doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass is due for a second term and I’m excited to say that,” Johnson said. “Look, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and we appreciate all of your efforts and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store – your vision for the city.”
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Jeanie Buss, CEO and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, holds a new Lakers jersey at a 2021 event. (Allen J. Schaben/LA Times via Getty Images)
Johnson did not mention one of the sticking points that helped Pratt gain support in the race: his handling of the 2025 wildfires that left at least a dozen dead and billions in damage.
Pratt continued to criticize Bass over his response to the wildfires.
Buss appeared to show her 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.
