Los Angeles Mayor's Race Heats Up Amid Homelessness, Wildfire Fallout

Bass faces challenges from tech entrepreneur, reality TV star, and community organizer in reelection bid

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is heading into a challenging reelection bid as she continues to face fallout from last year's devastating Palisades wildfire and ongoing criticism over issues like homelessness and city infrastructure. Bass, the first Black woman to hold the post, is being challenged by tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, and community organizer Rae Huang.

Why it matters

The Los Angeles mayoral race is unfolding at a critical time for the city, with residents grappling with the high cost of living, homelessness, and the aftermath of the deadly 2025 Palisades wildfire. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's future direction on these key issues.

The details

Complaints about the cost of living, crumbling infrastructure, and the ongoing homelessness crisis are major concerns for Los Angeles voters. The Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed much of the tony seaside neighborhood, has also become a political liability for Bass, with questions raised about the city's response. Bass' challengers, including tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, reality TV star Spencer Pratt, and community organizer Rae Huang, are seeking to capitalize on the mayor's perceived vulnerabilities.

  • The deadline for candidates to enter the Los Angeles mayoral race is Saturday, February 11, 2026.
  • The June 2, 2026 primary election will determine the top two finishers who will advance to the November general election.
  • The 2028 Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.

The players

Karen Bass

The incumbent mayor of Los Angeles and the first Black woman to hold the position. She is seeking reelection amid fallout from the 2025 Palisades wildfire and ongoing issues like homelessness.

Adam Miller

A tech entrepreneur and nonprofit founder who is challenging Bass in the mayoral race as an outsider with the ability to invest in his own campaign.

Spencer Pratt

A reality television personality who lost his home in the 2025 Palisades wildfire and is running for mayor, criticizing the city's response to the disaster.

Rae Huang

A community organizer who is also running for mayor, seeking to capitalize on voter discontent with City Hall.

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What they’re saying

“Even in this difficult chapter in our history, great events, moments of unity, are possible. And they are coming.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“We don't need more government programs. We need common sense, accountability, and a mayor that shows up for everyone.”

— Spencer Pratt, Mayoral Candidate (Spencer Pratt's Website)

“Los Angeles has extraordinary potential but too often City Hall hasn't been there for the people who call it home.”

— Adam Miller, Mayoral Candidate

What’s next

The judge in the Palisades Fire case is expected to rule on whether the suspect will be released on bail in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The Los Angeles mayoral race has become a referendum on the city's handling of major crises like the Palisades wildfire and the ongoing homelessness issue, with voters seeking accountability and a clear vision for the city's future.