Gov. Gavin Newsom endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ahead of the city's mayoral primary, praising her work on homelessness and crime reduction. The endorsement comes as a new poll shows Bass, City Councilmember Nithya Raman, and reality TV star Spencer Pratt locked in a tight race.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Newsom's endorsement of Bass highlights her achievements, including an 18% reduction in homelessness and historic drops in violent crime. The UC Berkeley Institute for Governmental Studies poll, co-sponsored by The Times, shows Bass at 26%, Raman at 25%, and Pratt at 22%. The race is statistically insignificant, with any of the three candidates potentially advancing to the runoff.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
High-Profile Endorsements
Newsom's endorsement follows support from former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla. Despite past tensions over state aid, Bass and Newsom have maintained a working relationship.
Pratt's Unconventional Campaign
Pratt, a Republican, has gained traction by focusing on local issues like homelessness and infrastructure. His campaign has been amplified by provocative AI videos and his blunt-spoken style. Pratt has also reached out to gang members, claiming he is "cool with" the Crips and Bloods, as part of his outreach efforts.
Voter Discontent and AI Ads
Pratt's campaign has resonated with voters frustrated by the city's handling of wildfires and homelessness. AI-generated videos portraying him as a savior have gone viral, contrasting his image with that of Bass, Newsom, and Harris.
Poll Analysis
The latest poll shows a significant shift from earlier surveys, where Bass had a substantial lead. Raman and Pratt have made steady gains, while Bass's support has remained flat. The poll also indicates that a quarter of likely voters would choose neither candidate or remain undecided in a potential Bass-Raman runoff.
Campaign Strategies
Bass's campaign emphasizes her experience and achievements, while Raman focuses on housing and homelessness. Pratt's campaign has been more confrontational, challenging his opponents on their policies and record.