Reality-TV star Spencer Pratt has moved into second place in a UCLA Luskin poll for the Los Angeles mayoral race [1].

The surge in polling reflects a growing trend of outsider candidates gaining traction through viral media and personal narratives in high-profile municipal elections.

Pratt, running as a Republican, recently released a campaign advertisement that gained significant traction online. The ad portrays Pratt as an outsider and focuses on his personal experience losing a home in the Palisades wildfire. This narrative has resonated with voters and generated substantial media attention.

However, the advertisement has drawn sharp criticism from his opponent, Nithya Raman. Raman said the ad was reckless because it was filmed outside her private residence. While the tactic sparked a backlash from the Raman campaign, the resulting controversy has further amplified Pratt's public profile.

According to a UCLA Luskin poll released on a Friday in April 2024, Pratt currently ranks in second place [1]. The poll suggests that his transition from a television personality to a political contender is gaining legitimate momentum among the electorate.

Pratt has leveraged his history from "The Hills" to build a brand centered on disruption. By blending celebrity visibility with a platform focused on the vulnerabilities of homeowners and wildfire victims, he has managed to rack up cash and endorsements in his bid for the city's top office.

“Spencer Pratt currently ranks second place in the Los Angeles mayoral race according to a UCLA Luskin poll”

Pratt's rise demonstrates the power of digital virality and personal tragedy to bypass traditional political gatekeeping. By utilizing a high-conflict filming location and a narrative of loss, he has successfully shifted the conversation from his celebrity background to his identity as a victim of California's environmental crises, challenging the established political order in Los Angeles.