Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel criticized reality television personality Spencer Pratt on his ABC show Wednesday, calling into question his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles. Pratt is running as a Republican in the race to lead California's largest city.
"But this hole now has given birth to Spencer Pratt, who is running for mayor, another narcissist looking for attention," Kimmel said during his monologue. "Are we really going to risk repeating that mistake we made with Trump in LA, of all places? Mayor should not be your first job."
Kimmel drew a comparison between Pratt and former President Donald Trump, arguing that Trump at least had prior business experience before entering reality television. "The only thing he was good at was promoting himself," Kimmel said.
Pratt responded publicly on the social media platform X Thursday, posting a photo of fire-damaged property alongside a message criticizing incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. "This is my parents' house. This is why I'm running. This is coming for your home. It's coming for your industry. If not by fire, then by blight, addicts, fraud, and the slow rot created by corrupt politicians like Karen Bass," Pratt wrote.
What the Right Is Saying
Pratt and his supporters argue that his candidacy represents frustration with career politicians who have failed to address quality-of-life issues in Los Angeles. His posts on X have focused on homelessness, public safety, and urban blight, positioning himself as an outsider capable of bringing fresh perspective to City Hall.
Conservative commentators have defended Pratt's right to run, arguing that political experience is not a prerequisite for leadership. Some have pointed to Trump's 2016 victory as evidence that voters sometimes prefer outsider candidates over career politicians.
Pratt has framed his campaign around personal experiences with the city's challenges, including posting images of fire damage at family property as evidence of systemic failures under current leadership.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices have largely aligned with Kimmel's skepticism toward celebrity political candidacies. Former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Rinna, speaking at the American Music Awards on Monday, echoed concerns about unqualified reality stars seeking public office.
"I'm a reality person. You wouldn't want to see me as mayor," Rinna told Variety. Her comments came amid reports she would not support Pratt in the Los Angeles mayoral race, which she characterized as a broader rejection of celebrity politicians regardless of party affiliation.
Democratic critics have pointed to the challenges facing Los Angeles under incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, arguing that experienced political leaders are better equipped to address complex urban issues than political newcomers. Bass's campaign has not publicly responded to Kimmel's comments, according to The Hill.
What the Numbers Show
Los Angeles is California's largest city with a population exceeding 3.8 million residents. The mayoral race is officially nonpartisan under California law, though candidates often align with party organizations.
Pratt gained public recognition through his role on "The Hills," a reality television series that aired from 2006 to 2010. He has no prior experience in elected office or government service, according to available candidate filings.
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass was elected in 2022 with approximately 53 percent of the vote in a ranked-choice voting system. She previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing California's 37th congressional district.
The Bottom Line
The exchange between Kimmel and Pratt highlights ongoing debates about celebrity candidacies in American politics. Los Angeles voters will ultimately decide whether Pratt's outsider status is an asset or liability in addressing the city's challenges, including homelessness, housing costs, and public safety concerns. The mayoral election is scheduled to take place in 2026, with primary contests expected to draw multiple candidates from both parties.