The election will test whether voters in the heavily Democratic city want to move further to the political left to address long-running problems of homelessness, buckled streets and sidewalks and climbing rent and home prices.

Pratt, a reality television personality, was not able to pull off his latest venture — an improbable bid to become mayor of Los Angeles.

Progressive challenger to face incumbent mayor in November as former reality star Pratt trails behind

Nithya Raman, a progressive Los Angeles city council member, has advanced to the November runoff for LA mayor, edging out former reality TV villain Spencer Pratt for the chance to face incumbent mayor Karen Bass.

Pratt, who decided to run for mayor after his Pacific Palisades home burned down in the 2025 wildfires, held a lead over Raman for days. But as ballot processing from last week’s election continued, the city councillor pulled ahead.

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© Composite: Getty Images for Highland Fleets, AP

© Composite: Getty Images for Highland Fleets, AP

© Composite: Getty Images for Highland Fleets, AP

The president is using the slow count of mail ballots in California to renew his effort to cast doubt on election outcomes he doesn’t like, despite a lack of evidence of any widespread fraud.

© Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

Nithya Raman, a progressive Democrat who entered the mayoral race at the last minute, secured the second spot to face Mayor Karen Bass in November. Her comeback sets up an intraparty battle.

© The New York Times