LA 2026 Mayoral Election: Top Contenders from Hollywood to Politics
More than 40 candidates have filed to run against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles. The nonpartisan primary is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including entertainers, entrepreneurs, architects and artists.
Race overview and voter priorities
Karen Bass won the city’s 2022 mayoral race against Rick Caruso. Her victory marked the first time a woman was elected mayor of Los Angeles.
Since taking office, Bass has prioritized homelessness, housing and public safety. Voters list the economy and housing affordability as top concerns going into 2026.
A March 11 poll from Emerson College Polling and Inside California Politics found the economy to be the leading issue at 37 percent. Housing affordability followed at 22 percent. Threats to democracy measured 11 percent, immigration 8 percent and healthcare 7 percent.
Key figures in the contest
Karen Bass
Bass is the incumbent and a prominent Democratic leader. She previously served 11 years in the U.S. House and led the California State Assembly as speaker.
Her campaign highlights reductions in street homelessness and crime. A February 2025 Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll showed 40 percent of registered voters rated her wildfire response as poor or very poor.
Nithya Raman
Raman represents Council District 4 and is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America’s Los Angeles chapter. She entered the race late after initially endorsing Bass.
Raman promotes affordable housing, robust homelessness services and climate action. Her candidacy has been compared to recent progressive wins in other cities.
Rev. Rae Huang
Huang previously led organizing work with Housing NOW! California. She also launched the Healthy LA coalition during the pandemic.
Her platform calls for free public transit, higher minimum wages, stronger housing affordability measures and crime prevention efforts.
Spencer Pratt
Pratt is a reality television personality known for MTV’s The Hills. He emerged as a notable Republican voice in the race.
He entered politics after his home burned in the 2025 Pacific Palisades Fire. Pratt stresses disaster preparedness and faster permitting for rebuilding.
Adam Miller
Miller is a technology entrepreneur and nonprofit founder. He has worked with Team Rubicon and started Better Angels, a homelessness volunteer group.
His campaign centers on transparency, homelessness solutions and public safety improvements.
Political dynamics and organizing
More than three dozen additional candidates also filed paperwork. The crowded field has attracted local and national attention.
DSA-LA has not issued an official endorsement. Two of the prominent candidates identify with democratic socialist policies.
National DSA membership rose from 50,713 in October 2024 to 92,912 in December 2025. That growth has energized progressive organizers.
Youth engagement and next steps
Student and youth organizers stress the importance of local turnout. Local elections typically see lower participation than national contests.
The first mayoral debate is scheduled for March 23. Participants will include Huang, Raman and Miller.
The LA 2026 mayoral election has drawn top contenders from Hollywood to politics. Voters will weigh competing visions on housing, safety and the economy.
Filmogaz.com will continue coverage as campaigns unfold and new developments arise.
