In an exclusive interview with CBS News for a story published May 7, 2026, reality TV alum and Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt compared his limited political experience to where Barack Obama was when he first appeared on the national scene. Pratt, best known for his role on the mid-2000s series The Hills, told correspondent Adam Yamaguchi that, like Obama, he started without traditional governing experience and pointed to grassroots credentials — noting he has won two community advocate awards — as part of his case for leadership.
Pratt said his decision to run was driven in part by personal loss after his home was destroyed in last year’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires. He has criticized incumbent Mayor Karen Bass’s handling of the disaster and faced her in a mayoral debate the week before the election. The primary is scheduled for June 2; if no candidate wins a majority, the top two finishers will move to a November 3 runoff.
Running as a Republican in a city that has not had a GOP mayor since 2001, Pratt expressed confidence about his chances, claiming many of his supporters and family members are Democrats. He predicted he could win with roughly 51% of the vote on June 2, arguing his campaign avoids national, tribal or partisan messaging and instead focuses on local fixes: improving streets, restoring street lighting and increasing public safety.
CBS noted Pratt’s comments in the context of his unconventional jump from reality television to politics. Viewers were invited to watch the full interview on CBS Mornings and streaming on Paramount+.