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

Incumbent Karen Bass faces challenges from tech entrepreneur, reality TV star, and community organizer in closely watched contest

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 in the race that kicks off ahead of the June 2 primary election.

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 lingering impacts of the deadly 2025 Palisades wildfire. The outcome could have significant implications for the city's future direction on key issues.

The details

Complaints about the cost of living, dirty streets, and the slow pace of recovery from the Palisades Fire have fueled voter discontent. The mayor has faced criticism over her response to the fire, with reports alleging she pushed for changes to a fire department after-action report to shield City Hall from potential legal action. Challengers like tech entrepreneur Adam Miller and reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who lost his home in the fire, are positioning themselves as outsiders who can bring accountability and common sense to City Hall.

  • The deadline for candidates to enter the contest is Saturday, ahead of the June 2 primary election.
  • The deadly Palisades Fire occurred in January 2025, killing 12 people and destroying much of the tony seaside neighborhood.
  • In October 2026, a 29-year-old man was arrested and charged with sparking the earlier fire that led to the Palisades blaze.

The players

Karen Bass

The incumbent mayor of Los Angeles, a first-term Democrat and the first Black woman to hold the post.

Adam Miller

A tech entrepreneur and nonprofit founder running as an outsider challenger to Bass.

Spencer Pratt

A reality TV personality who lost his home in the 2025 Palisades Fire and is running for mayor.

Rae Huang

A community organizer also challenging Bass for the mayoral seat.

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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 (ksgf.com)

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

— Spencer Pratt (ksgf.com)

“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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The top two finishers in the June 2 primary election will advance to the November general election.

The takeaway

The Los Angeles mayoral race has become a referendum on the city's leadership and its ability to address pressing issues like homelessness, infrastructure, and the fallout from a deadly wildfire. Voters are looking for candidates who can bring accountability, common sense, and a renewed focus on serving the needs of all Angelenos.