LOS ANGELES – As California approaches its primary election, the political landscape is marked by significant uncertainty. Two key races are at the forefront, showcasing a pair of outsider candidates aiming to disrupt the traditionally robust Democratic establishment in the state.
In the governor’s race, former Fox News host and British political adviser Steve Hilton is rallying Republicans to unify behind his candidacy. He aims to secure one of the two spots available in the November election, which also features two prominent Democrats: billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra.
Meanwhile, in the Los Angeles mayoral contest, reality TV figure Spencer Pratt hopes to leverage his outsider status to upset incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass. The race is competitive, with Pratt closely trailing Bass and progressive city council member Nithya Raman, who is campaigning to Bass’ political left.
“We can’t give up on LA,” Pratt declared to enthusiastic supporters at a recent block party. “We’ve got to fight.”
Historically, Democrats were anxious about a crowded field of gubernatorial candidates potentially allowing two Republicans to advance to the November election. However, as the campaign nears its conclusion, Hilton warns of a “doomsday scenario” where only Democrats secure a place on the ballot.
Hilton has urged his primary Republican rival, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, to withdraw from the race. He warns that an all-Democratic ticket could suppress GOP turnout and alter the dynamics of Congressional and Legislative races statewide.
“Becerra and Steyer locking out a Republican from the November ballot would be a disaster for California,” Hilton expressed on the social media platform X, emphasizing the need for change in governance.
As mail-in voting commenced in early May, only 15% of ballots had been returned as of Sunday, leaving room for potential surprises as the election date approaches.
A Vulnerable Mayor Seeks a Second Term in Los Angeles
In the deeply Democratic landscape of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass faces challenges that make her position precarious. While she points to reductions in homelessness, many neighborhoods still grapple with visible encampments and deteriorating conditions. Furthermore, she is working to mitigate the repercussions of the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire, which occurred while she was abroad on a presidential delegation. Pratt, who lost his home in the fire, is leveraging this narrative as a cornerstone of his campaign.
At Pratt’s recent block party, Vivian Escalante, a historian from the predominantly Hispanic Boyle Heights neighborhood, voiced her frustrations. “The quality of life has been sliding for years,” she lamented, highlighting increased homelessness and a decline in neighborhood pride. “It’s gotten completely worse. The Democratic Party has completely abandoned us.”
Although the LA mayoral race is officially nonpartisan, Bass and Raman are both Democrats. Raman recently decided to challenge her former ally and is now among the leading candidates.
Pratt, who gained fame through the reality TV show “The Hills,” is a registered Republican and has received tacit support from former President Donald Trump. However, he emphasizes that his focus remains on local issues rather than national politics.
A recent poll conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with The Los Angeles Times, indicates a tightly contested race, with no candidate holding a statistically significant advantage. The survey of 1,351 likely voters, conducted from May 19 to May 24, reflects the competitive nature of the election.
The Governor’s Race: A Crowded Field with No Clear Leader
The governor’s race is unprecedented in its openness, featuring over 50 candidates on the ballot. With Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom unable to run for a third term due to legal restrictions, various candidates are vying to succeed him, including former Democratic U.S. Representative Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and Sheriff Bianco.
Rebecca Katz, a strategist for Steyer’s campaign, expressed confidence but acknowledged the competitive dynamics, stating, “It’s three candidates for two spots; every possession counts.”
Steyer, a former hedge fund manager turned activist, has invested heavily in his campaign, aiming to secure a place in the November election. Hilton, who has received Trump’s endorsement, promises to address California’s high living costs, while Becerra leverages his extensive experience, having served in key roles including as Secretary of Health under President Biden.
In summary, both races illustrate the shifting dynamics of California politics, where discontent with traditional Democratic leadership has opened the door for outsiders seeking to challenge the status quo. As the election draws closer, the outcome remains uncertain, reflecting broader changes in voter sentiment across the state.
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Associated Press writer Jesse Bedayn in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
