Mayoral Candidate Spencer Pratt Disputes LA Times Report on Residency

Pratt says his home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, forcing him to relocate.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:12am

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a solitary political campaign sign or billboard set against a dimly lit urban backdrop, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene.As the LA mayoral race heats up, a lone campaign sign stands as a symbol of the political tensions and personal challenges facing the candidates.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has lashed out against a report from the LA Times that questioned whether he is living within the city limits, a requirement for the election. Pratt's home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, and he says he is now living in an Airstream trailer on the burned-out lot. The LA Times stands by its reporting, but former LA City Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky believes the issue is unlikely to affect Pratt's ability to run for mayor.

Why it matters

Residency requirements for mayoral candidates are intended to ensure that the person running for office has a strong connection to the city and its constituents. Pratt's dispute with the LA Times report raises questions about his eligibility and commitment to the city of Los Angeles.

The details

The LA Times report questioned whether Pratt was living within the city limits of Los Angeles, a requirement for mayoral candidates. Pratt admitted that he had moved to Santa Barbara after his house in the Palisades neighborhood was destroyed in a fire. Pratt says he is now living in an Airstream trailer that was craned onto the burned-out lot of his former home.

  • Pratt's home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
  • The LA Times published its report on April 7, 2026.

The players

Spencer Pratt

A Los Angeles mayoral candidate who is disputing a report from the LA Times about his residency.

Zev Yaroslavsky

A former LA City Councilman and county supervisor who believes the residency issue is unlikely to affect Pratt's ability to run for mayor.

LA Times

The newspaper that published the report questioning Pratt's residency, which Pratt has lashed out against.

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What they’re saying

“They want to try and write a hit piece about me about my residence? 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 LA City Councilman and 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.