Spencer Pratt, once primarily known for his role on the MTV reality series “The Hills,” has emerged as a prominent candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, surprising many observers with his rapid rise from reality television personality to political contender. The “jungle primary” election is scheduled for Tuesday, with Pratt, a 42-year-old Los Angeles native registered as a Republican but running as an independent, competing to lead a city of nearly 4 million people.
Pratt’s candidacy gained unexpected momentum in recent months after significant campaign fundraising and a strong debate performance, propelling him beyond the initial perception of a long-shot candidate. His campaign strategy has drawn comparisons to that of former President Donald Trump, relying on provocative rhetoric and frequent public challenges against frontrunners, including incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman. Recent polling indicates a competitive race with no clear frontrunner.
Before entering the political arena, Pratt built his public profile through reality television. An early step was his involvement in “Princes of Malibu,” a short-lived unscripted show centered around Brody Jenner and his family dynamics with Grammy-winning producer David Foster. The show aired six episodes and introduced Pratt as a polarizing figure.
Pratt’s more significant fame came with “The Hills,” which aired from 2006 to 2010 and chronicled the lives of young adults navigating relationships and careers in Los Angeles. Pratt joined in the second season as the boyfriend of Heidi Montag, who was the best friend of series lead Lauren Conrad. Their relationship became central to a major storyline involving a controversial rumor about a sex tape, which created a rift between Montag and Conrad. While cast members have acknowledged producer manipulation of certain plotlines, the real-life tension contributed to the show’s dramatic appeal. Pratt admitted at one point to originating the rumor before denying it, stating in a recent interview that he was used as a scapegoat to heighten the show’s drama.
Pratt and Montag, known collectively as “Speidi,” married during the show’s fifth season and remain together with two children. Their public persona has been characterized by flamboyance and controversy, including Montag’s highly publicized plastic surgeries and the couple’s participation in multiple reality television programs beyond “The Hills,” such as “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!,” “Marriage Boot Camp,” “Celebrity Big Brother” in the UK, and “The Masked Singer.”
Outside of entertainment, Pratt has marketed himself as a crystal healing advocate, claiming a personal collection worth approximately $1 million and attributing healing properties to various stones. The couple has also openly discussed their belief in the 2012 Mayan apocalypse prediction, recounting a period when they reportedly spent $10 million on luxury items in anticipation of the world’s end.
Despite this eclectic background, Pratt is now focused on a political career in Los Angeles, positioning himself as an unconventional candidate willing to challenge established city leadership in a tightly contested election that reflects the city’s evolving political landscape.