Former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt is turning his outsider campaign for mayor of Los Angeles into one of the most talked-about races in the country — but the attention is also bringing controversy and security concerns.
Pratt, best known for MTV’s The Hills, has surged in recent polling as he campaigns against incumbent Karen Bass, using viral social media videos and sharp criticism of the city’s handling of homelessness, crime, and wildfire recovery.
Running on an ‘anti-establishment outsider’ platform, his platform includes promises for “zero encampments” for the homeless, mandatory drug treatment, and zero fentanyl on the streets.
In what is being called the “Trailer” ad controversy, Pratt faced massive backlash after a campaign ad showed him standing in front of a trailer at the site of his burned-out Pacific Palisades home, claiming, “This is where I live.” Tabloid TMZ revealed he had actually been staying at the luxury Hotel Bel-Air for over a month.
In recent interviews, Pratt said he has received death threats tied to his campaign and claims security concerns forced him to stay at the luxury Hotel Bel-Air rather than in the Airstream trailer featured in one of his campaign ads. According to reports, Pratt said the hotel’s armed security made it “the only option.”
The campaign has drawn heavy criticism from political opponents and media commentators, especially after reports questioned where Pratt was actually living during the race. Pratt has denied misleading voters and says the attacks show how heated the mayoral contest has become.
Despite skepticism from some political insiders, the former reality star has built an unexpectedly competitive campaign by presenting himself as an anti-establishment candidate frustrated with the direction of Los Angeles following the devastating 2025 Palisades wildfire that destroyed his family’s home.