Spencer Pratt’s unlikely campaign for Los Angeles mayor appears to have come to an end after a new wave of ballot counting pushed City Councilmember Nithya Raman into second place and a spot in November’s runoff election.
According to the New York Post, the latest vote update delivered another significant boost to Raman, who gained 33,378 votes overnight.
Pratt added 14,672 votes, while incumbent Mayor Karen Bass picked up 25,121 more votes.
With 93% of ballots counted, Bass remained in first place with 34.7% of the vote. Raman moved into second with 28.5%, while Pratt slipped to third at 26.7%.
The results effectively ended the reality television personality’s long-shot bid to reach the runoff.
Pratt’s campaign gained national attention after thousands rallied behind him following the destruction of his home in the Palisades Fire.
Raman celebrated the latest results in a statement.
“I’m incredibly honored,” she said.
“For too long, City Hall has prioritized giving political advantage to powerful interests that fund elections.”
“Meanwhile, working people pay the price in higher rents, depleted services, and a city that has stopped working for them.”
Bass’ campaign immediately turned its attention toward the likely runoff matchup.
“A campaign against Nithya Raman, who allows encampments near schools and cuts the police force, is one Mayor Bass looks forward to winning,” spokesman Douglas Herman said.
The prolonged count has continued to draw scrutiny and frustration from critics of California’s election system.
Under state law, ballots only need to be postmarked by Election Day, allowing vote counting to continue for weeks after polls close.
President Donald Trump has criticized California’s election process and claimed last week that the state’s primary election was “under investigation” by federal authorities.
The lengthy count has also affected other statewide races.
In the California governor’s race, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra secured a place in the general election. Meanwhile, businessman Tom Steyer remained in third place but vowed to wait until all ballots are counted before conceding.
For now, the Los Angeles mayoral contest appears headed toward a November showdown between Bass and Raman, ending Pratt’s surprise campaign just short of the runoff.
