UMVA has learned that a contentious battle is unfolding in California's mayoral primaries, with allegations of a "crooked" election and threats of "great trouble" if Republicans are excluded from the general election.
At the center of the controversy is reality TV star turned mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt, who was knocked into third place in Los Angeles' mayoral primaries, five days after the polls closed. Pratt's campaign has resonated with voters in Los Angeles, who share frustrations with growing crime rates, homelessness, and the city's response to wildfires.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Pratt's concerns about the election results were echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who blasted the California primaries as "crooked" on his Truth Social feed. Trump warned that if Republicans aren't included in November's general election, "great trouble and consternation will follow."
Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh from Arizona also weighed in on the issue, calling for the federal government to take control of the election. "It's clear, California is incapable of running free and fair elections consistent with our Constitution that guarantees a republican form of government for states," Hamadeh said. "Federalize the election."
Pratt trails socialist Democrat Nithya Raman by a razor-thin margin, with 43,000 votes having swung from Pratt to Raman since election night. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass secured her place in the November runoff with 34.7% of the vote, with 83% of ballots counted.
California's vote count process is notoriously slow, with officials having up to 30 days after an election to verify signatures, process millions of vote-by-mail ballots, and conduct audits before certifying results. Pratt questioned the latest results on social media, suggesting that the large swing in votes was suspicious.
The outcome of the election has significant implications for Los Angeles, with many voters frustrated with the city's handling of pressing issues like crime and homelessness. Pratt's campaign has tapped into these concerns, with his message resonating with Angelenos who are seeking change.
