LA Times Criticized for Questioning Mayoral Candidate's Residency After Home Burned Down

Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, slams the LA Times for suggesting he may not meet residency requirements to run for mayor.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:35pm

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An extreme close-up of a solitary Airstream trailer parked on a charred, debris-strewn lot, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows and creating a sense of quiet resilience in the face of adversity.As a mayoral candidate faces residency questions after a devastating wildfire, his makeshift home on a burned-out lot reflects the personal challenges of running for office.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has fired back at the Los Angeles Times after it published a report casting doubt on his ability to run for office due to his house burning down in the Palisades fire. Pratt, who is in second place in some polls, accused the Times of writing a "hit piece" to aid the campaign of current Mayor Karen Bass. The Times defended its reporting, but a community note indicated that city guidance allows wildfire-displaced residents to keep their original address for voter registration if the relocation is temporary.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by political candidates who experience personal hardships, as well as the potential for media bias in election coverage. It also raises questions about how cities accommodate residents displaced by natural disasters when it comes to voting and political representation.

The details

The LA Times report suggested Pratt may not meet residency requirements to run for mayor because he is currently living in an Airstream trailer on his burned-out lot in the Palisades. Pratt, a former reality TV star, accused the Times of harassing his family and trying to aid Bass' campaign. He said he used an SBA disaster loan to pay for the Airstream so he could live on his property after the fire.

  • Pratt's house burned down in the Palisades fire.
  • The LA Times published its report questioning Pratt's residency on April 7, 2026.

The players

Spencer Pratt

A Los Angeles mayoral candidate and former reality TV star whose home was destroyed in the Palisades fire.

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles, who is running for re-election.

Los Angeles Times

A major newspaper in Los Angeles that published a report questioning Pratt's residency eligibility to run for mayor.

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What they’re saying

“They want to try and write a hit piece about me, about my residency? ... They want to attack me for not living in the Palisades while running for mayor? Hey, brain surgeon, my house burned down!”

— Spencer Pratt, Mayoral Candidate

“The Times learned that Mr. Pratt was living in Carpinteria and contacted him and those around him for comment. We stand by our story and the reporting of our journalists.”

— LA Times Spokesperson

“Common sense tells me he lost his home in the Palisades. He's got to find a place to live. I'm not sure this is an issue that gets any traction.”

— Zev Yaroslavsky, Former County Supervisor

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.