The reality TV star of the 2000s, online influencer of the 2010s, and populist contender of the 2020s, Spencer Pratt has emerged as a formidable candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Considering campaign financing, polling results, and criticisms from opponents, this rise is shocking for the city's liberal elite. Pratt's reactive campaign has garnered broad support based on the promise of making the city 'camera-ready once again for all citizens' by fighting crime and corruption.

Pratt has advanced his campaign with a bright and mischievous digital strategy. In his latest campaign ad, he targeted opponents like President Karen Bass and County Council Member Nithya Raman by using Kendrick Lamar's song 'Not Like Us.' The ad referenced the incident from the previous year when his home burned down in the Pacific Palisades wildfire, which Pratt claimed was a result of government inadequacy.

The most overt gesture reminiscent of Pratt's Falling Down was his meme depicting himself as the Michael Douglas character from Joel Schumacher's 1993 revenge film on April 26. Pratt rephrased the film's tagline as 'The adventure of an ordinary man fighting against the everyday world.' Los Angeles has recently faced a tough period due to natural disasters, economic hardships, and widespread civil unrest following the Rodney King incident. Over generations, the city has been defined by liberal values and Democratic Party politics. However, within this broad bubble, Los Angeles has nurtured significant reactionary movements, from Howard Jarvis's tax revolt to Stephen Miller's racist rhetoric.

Pratt's candidacy has been supported by a wide range of right-leaning media outlets (from Murdoch media to the largest online influencers, including Joe Rogan and Adam Carolla). Like President Donald Trump's MAGA base, Pratt's supporters view him as a potential savior and a flawed vehicle. While Pratt's opponents discuss the plight of the homeless, Pratt sees drug addiction as a core issue and has labeled legal sanctions against street encampments as 'zombies.' Los Angeles-based cultural critic Meghan Daum announced on April 26 that she would vote for Pratt, expressing her appreciation for his direct stance on encampments.

Among Pratt's campaign donors are law firm partners, mid-level studio executives, small business owners, beauty specialists, police officers, and retirees. It also includes names like former Lakers leader Jeanie Buss, actress Jenny McCarthy, real estate consultant Kurt Rappaport, reality TV producer Jeff Jenkins, and OANN host Ginger Gaetz (wife of former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz). Significant figures from the film industry are also supporting Pratt. On April 27, filmmaker Hilary Shor mentioned a luncheon held for the candidate at the home of Larry David's wife, Ashley, and wrote that actress Irena Medavoy and many others were 'enchanted by the power of his message, which is hoped to help save our city.'