Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has secured the second position in the 2026 mayoral primary, surpassing reality TV star Spencer Pratt as vote counting continues in California’s jungle primary system. According to the latest figures from Los Angeles County election officials, Raman now holds 26.21% of the vote, while Pratt has dropped to 27.32%,a reversal from earlier counts where Pratt led by more than three percentage points.

Shift in Vote Share

The Associated Press has officially called the race, confirming that Raman will advance to the November general election alongside Mayor Karen Bass, who holds 34.81% of the vote. The AP noted that Bass is the first Black woman to serve as Los Angeles mayor, while Raman could become the first South Asian woman to hold the position.

According to CNN. Raman currently holds 28.5% of the counted ballots, while Pratt remains at 25.8%, and this marks a significant shift in the race over the weekend, as newly counted ballots have steadily favored Raman. California’s jungle primary system ensures that the top two candidates,regardless of party affiliation—move on to the general election.

Raman’s Political Platform

Raman has been a prominent figure in Los Angeles politics since 2019 and is known for her advocacy on affordable housing and public services. In a statement to the Associated Press, Raman said, “If you’re as frustrated by the broken status quo as I am, I hope you’ll join our movement to build a city that works for everyone.” She added, “For too long, City Hall has prioritized giving political advantage to powerful interests that fund elections. Meanwhile, working people pay the price in higher rents, depleted services and a city that has stopped working for them.”

Pratt’s Public Persona and Political Aspirations

Spencer Pratt, best known for his role in MTV’s The Hills, ran on a mix of celebrity appeal and political ambition. His lead had once appeared secure, but newly reported ballot counts have shifted momentum toward Raman. Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag, have been tabloid staples since the early 2000s, often for their financial struggles and public antics.

During the 2025 Palisades fire, Pratt’s home was destroyed along with much of his neighborhood. Despite this, Pratt campaigned on a message of resilience and local leadership. However, as the race tightened, Raman’s steady support from local voters proved decisive.

The race has drawn national attention, especially as California’s vote-counting process has stretched over several days. Five days after California voters cast their ballots, two of the state’s most closely watched races remain in the spotlight. Los Angeles voters will now choose between Bass and Raman in November, with both candidates representing different visions for the city’s future.