With about 56% of the vote counted, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass led the field with 34.7%, while Pratt held second place at 30.4%. City Councilmember Nithya Raman trailed at 22.3%, though thousands of mail-in ballots remain outstanding.

Under California’s election system, all candidates appear on the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation, and the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. If the current standings hold, Pratt would move on to a one-on-one showdown with Bass, setting up a high-profile runoff battle for control of Los Angeles City Hall.

But Pratt’s supporters aren’t celebrating just yet because we all know what happens when the mail-in ballots get counted after elections are over.

Democratic Bass enters the runoff carrying plenty of baggage. Under her watch, Los Angeles has continued to struggle with sprawling homeless encampments, public safety concerns, and the lingering fallout from devastating wildfires that exposed serious questions about the city’s preparedness.

Republican Pratt is best known for being on the MTV reality show The Hills. While many initially dismissed his campaign as a celebrity stunt, Pratt has tapped into growing frustration among Californians over homelessness, crime, high living costs, and what critics see as years of failed leadership from the political establishment.

His outsider status, willingness to challenge conventional politicians, and large social media following have helped him connect with voters looking to shake up a system they believe isn’t working. In a state where trust in government has eroded for many residents, Pratt’s unconventional candidacy appears to be resonating with voters eager for something different.

Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member, is one of the most progressive elected officials in Los Angeles politics. She has championed policies focused on affordable housing, tenant protections, climate initiatives, and expanded government programs to address homelessness (more handouts). Critics say her policies reflect the same far-left approach that has contributed to many of the challenges facing Los Angeles today.

For now, Pratt appears headed for a showdown with Bass in November. The fact that Bass is in first place is a reminder that a lot of California voters will vote for anyone with a “D” next to their name no matter how awful they are.

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