Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advances to run-off in race to run California's biggest city

June 3, 2026

Los Angeles incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass has advanced to November's runoff election, though her opponent remains unclear as votes continue being counted between Democrat Nithya Raman and Republican reality TV star Spencer Pratt. Bass has faced significant criticism for her handling of the devastating Palisades Fire in January 2025, which killed twelve people and destroyed thousands of homes, becoming one of California's most destructive fires. Pratt, whose home was destroyed in the blaze, launched his campaign as a political outsider criticizing Bass's fire response, while Raman, a city council member, unexpectedly entered the race after initially endorsing Bass.

Who is affected

Karen Bass (incumbent Democratic Mayor of Los Angeles)
Nithya Raman (Los Angeles City Council member and Democratic candidate)
Spencer Pratt (Republican candidate and reality TV star)
Los Angeles residents, particularly those impacted by homelessness, housing affordability issues, and the Palisades Fire
Victims of the Palisades Fire (12 dead, thousands of homes destroyed)
California gubernatorial candidates: Steve Hilton, Xavier Becerra, and Tom Steyer
Voters in California, Iowa, New Jersey, and New Mexico participating in primary elections
Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's two children

What action is being taken

Votes are still being counted in both the Los Angeles mayoral race and California governor's race
Bass is serving her current mayoral term addressing homelessness, responding to federal immigration raids, and managing emergency response to the Palisades Fire
Pratt is campaigning on fixing Los Angeles and advocating for mandatory drug treatment to combat homelessness
Raman is campaigning on expanding affordable housing, reducing homelessness, and bringing jobs back to Hollywood

Why it matters

This election will determine leadership for the second-largest city in the United States as Los Angeles confronts critical challenges including a severe homelessness crisis, affordable housing shortages, and preparations for hosting the 2028 Olympics. The outcome holds particular significance given the widespread criticism of the city's emergency response to the Palisades Fire, one of California's most destructive fires on record that killed twelve people and destroyed thousands of homes. The mayoral race, along with the gubernatorial contest occurring simultaneously, reflects broader questions about California's leadership and approach to issues like homelessness, cost of living (the highest in the nation), immigration policy, and disaster management that affect millions of residents.

What's next

The top two mayoral candidates will advance to the November runoff election
The top two gubernatorial candidates will advance to the November general election
If Bass wins in November, it will be her second and final term as mayor

Read full article from source: BBC