13 Candidates Vie to Lead LA as Mayor in 2026 Election

Incumbent Karen Bass faces a crowded field, including reality TV star Spencer Pratt and progressive Nithya Raman, as the city prepares to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With just two months until the Los Angeles mayoral election, the race is heating up as 13 candidates, including incumbent Karen Bass, seek to lead the city through major upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will advance to a runoff in November. Polling shows a tight race, with about 25% of voters still undecided.

Why it matters

The next mayor of Los Angeles will face significant challenges, including addressing homelessness, public safety, and the city's affordability crisis, all while preparing to host two major global sporting events that will bring millions of visitors. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching impacts on the future of the nation's second-largest city.

The details

The 13 candidates include incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who is seeking reelection, as well as progressive Councilmember Nithya Raman and reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who is running on a platform of holding officials accountable for the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire that destroyed his home. Other candidates include tech entrepreneur Adam Miller, civil rights attorney Andrew K. Kim, and several other long-shot contenders.

  • The Los Angeles mayoral election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
  • If no candidate secures a majority, the top two will advance to a runoff on November 5, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The current mayor, who previously served as a U.S. Representative and California State Assembly member, is running for reelection on a platform of public safety, affordability, and addressing homelessness.

Nithya Raman

A Los Angeles City Councilmember and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Raman is running on a progressive platform of housing and homelessness reform, a new approach to public safety, and a plan to bring the city to carbon neutrality by 2030.

Spencer Pratt

The reality TV star and former cast member of 'The Hills' is running for mayor after losing his home in the 2025 Palisades Fire, accusing local officials of negligence and vowing to eradicate homeless encampments and crack down on drug use.

Adam Miller

A tech entrepreneur and CEO of the nonprofit Better Angels, Miller is positioning himself as an outsider with a record of solving complex problems in both the private and social sectors.

Andrew K. Kim

A civil rights attorney who was born in South Korea and came to the U.S. as a teenager, Kim has served as a Los Angeles County Commissioner and temporary judge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.