The vibrant and often unpredictable political landscape of Los Angeles has become the focal point of a public exchange between acclaimed comedian Hannah Einbinder and reality television personality Spencer Pratt, who is currently vying for the city’s mayoral seat. Einbinder, known for her sharp wit and role in the critically lauded series Hacks, has vocally expressed her disapproval of Pratt’s candidacy, raising significant concerns about his qualifications and the political forces backing his campaign. Her remarks, made during the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television held in Los Angeles on Friday, underscore a growing debate about the nature of political leadership and the influence of celebrity in electoral politics.
Einbinder’s Critique: A Stand Against Unqualified Candidates
At the heart of Einbinder’s opposition lies a deep-seated concern that Pratt, a figure primarily recognized for his long tenure on MTV’s The Hills, lacks the necessary experience and expertise to govern a city as complex and diverse as Los Angeles. Her statements, shared with Variety‘s Marc Malkin, were direct and unsparing. "There’s a lot of wealth in this city, and I think that there are a lot of people who masquerade as Democrats or people on the left, but really, money is their key issue," Einbinder articulated, drawing a line between financial influence and political decision-making. She directly linked this phenomenon to support for candidates like Pratt, pointedly reminding the public of his endorsement by former President Donald Trump. "And that’s what leads them to vote for people like Spencer Pratt, who is endorsed by Donald Trump, and I will remind everybody of that. So yeah, it’s important to resist that," she urged.
This stance aligns with a broader sentiment expressed by many in the entertainment and political spheres who question the appropriateness of individuals with no prior governmental or policy-making experience seeking such high-profile public office. The potential for celebrity status to overshadow substantive qualifications is a recurring theme in American politics, and Einbinder’s comments highlight the anxieties surrounding this trend in one of the nation’s most influential cities.
The Political Arena: A Tight Race and Notable Endorsements
Spencer Pratt officially announced his mayoral bid in January 2025, positioning himself as a challenger to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. His campaign narrative has often centered on criticisms of Bass’s handling of specific city issues, including the Palisades fire and disaster response. This framing attempts to tap into public dissatisfaction with current governance, a common tactic for political newcomers.
However, Pratt’s campaign has garnered significant attention, not only for his celebrity background but also for key endorsements. The endorsement from Donald Trump, as highlighted by Einbinder, places Pratt within a specific political faction and signals a potential alignment with MAGA (Make America Great Again) principles. Trump himself commented on Pratt’s candidacy, stating, "I’d like to see him do well. He’s a character. I heard he’s a big MAGA person. He’s doing well," as reported by the Los Angeles Times. This endorsement, while potentially energizing a segment of the electorate, also serves as a significant point of contention for opponents like Einbinder, who view it as indicative of a regressive political agenda.
The mayoral race is proving to be a closely contested affair. Recent polling data from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, released on Thursday, indicates a tight three-way contest. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass holds a slight lead with 26 percent support among likely voters, closely followed by Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman, who commands 25 percent. Spencer Pratt is positioned third with 22 percent support. Los Angeles residents are scheduled to cast their ballots in the nonpartisan mayoral primary on Tuesday, June 2.
Einbinder’s Preferred Candidate and Vision for Leadership
In contrast to her strong opposition to Pratt, Hannah Einbinder has declared her support for Nithya Raman. Raman, a current Los Angeles City Council member representing District 4, is seen by Einbinder as a more suitable candidate to address the city’s multifaceted challenges. Einbinder acknowledged the imperfections inherent in any political race, stating, "It’s very complicated. No one is perfect, there are no perfect candidates. I’m underwhelmed in a lot of ways, but I have made the choice to put Nithya down, and that’s what we’re doing, girls!" This pragmatic endorsement reflects a desire to support a candidate with a demonstrated commitment to public service, even amidst personal reservations.
When pressed by Malkin about the possibility of her own entry into politics, Einbinder deflected, invoking the sentiment of reality television personality Lisa Rinna, who had recently expressed to Malkin her opposition to unqualified celebrities in mayoral office. "You don’t, and neither do I," Einbinder echoed Rinna’s sentiment. "No. No. Spencer shouldn’t, and neither should I, OK? I’m with Lisa Rinna! I stand with Lisa Rinna. … That’s not what we want, OK? We need to have people who work in housing and tenant’s rights lawyers and people with actual expertise in these positions, please." This statement encapsulates Einbinder’s core argument: that effective governance requires individuals with proven expertise and a deep understanding of policy, rather than those whose primary qualification is public recognition.
Broader Implications and the Future of Los Angeles Politics
The exchange between Einbinder and Pratt, amplified by media coverage, highlights a critical juncture for Los Angeles. The city faces a complex array of issues, including housing affordability, homelessness, public safety, and economic development. The choice of mayor will have profound implications for how these challenges are addressed.
Einbinder’s call for "people who work in housing and tenant’s rights lawyers and people with actual expertise" points to a desire for a technocratic approach to governance, where policy is driven by data, experience, and specialized knowledge. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the populist appeal that candidates like Pratt often leverage, which can sometimes prioritize personality and perceived authenticity over policy depth.
The endorsement of Pratt by Donald Trump further politicizes the race, framing it not just as a local election but as a potential referendum on broader national political movements. For Einbinder and those who share her views, this alignment represents a significant threat to progressive values and effective governance.
The upcoming primary election on June 2 will serve as a crucial indicator of voter sentiment. The results will reveal whether Los Angeles residents are more inclined to elect experienced public servants, as advocated by Einbinder and exemplified by candidates like Nithya Raman, or if the allure of celebrity and populist rhetoric, as embodied by Spencer Pratt and his notable endorsements, will sway a significant portion of the electorate. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the direction of policy and public discourse in one of America’s most influential metropolises for years to come. The debate initiated by Einbinder’s candid remarks is a vital component of this democratic process, encouraging voters to critically assess the qualifications and motivations of all candidates seeking to lead the city.
