Former reality-TV star Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles and drawing comparisons to the political rise of Donald Trump [1, 2].
The emergence of Pratt as a viable candidate highlights a growing trend of celebrity outsiders leveraging anti-establishment narratives to disrupt traditional municipal politics. By positioning himself as a non-politician, Pratt is tapping into a voter sentiment that mirrors the populist surge seen in national U.S. elections.
On May 21, 2026, Donald Trump praised Pratt, describing him as a "big MAGA person" [4]. This endorsement has fueled a narrative that Pratt is following a similar trajectory to Trump, moving from the entertainment industry into a high-stakes political arena [1, 3].
Commentators have noted the parallels between the two figures. Colin Reed of Sky News Australia said, "Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but you’ve got a celebrity first-time candidate, never run for office before, outsider who none of the smart people gives a shot to" [5].
Pratt's campaign has utilized personal stories, including a house fire, to reinforce his image as an outsider fighting against the system [1, 3]. Despite the high-profile backing from the former president, Pratt has maintained a level of independence regarding political endorsements. Pratt said, "I don't need anyone's endorsement but mothers" [2].
Not all reactions to the candidacy have been positive. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel addressed the bid during a monologue on May 27, 2026 [6]. Kimmel said Pratt is "another narcissist looking for attention" [7].
Despite the criticism, political strategists suggest that Pratt's profile as a first-time candidate allows him to bypass traditional political scrutiny, a strategy that has proven effective for other celebrity politicians in recent years [1, 3].
“"I don't need anyone's endorsement but mothers."”
The Pratt campaign signifies a shift where celebrity brand recognition and an 'outsider' persona are treated as viable substitutes for legislative or administrative experience. By aligning with the MAGA movement's anti-establishment rhetoric, Pratt is testing whether the populist model that succeeded at the national level can be replicated to capture a major metropolitan city like Los Angeles.
