A TV star is close to running America's second-biggest city as voters reject old leaders

Spencer Pratt holds second place in the city mayor race. It is the first time in 21 years the current leader failed to win a clear majority.

Trust in city leaders has hit a new low. For the first time in over two decades, Los Angeles voters are refusing to give their current mayor an easy pass back to work.

WHAT HAPPENED

The local mayor's race is upside down. TV star Spencer Pratt has taken second place in the early vote count. He is now right behind the current mayor.

At the same time, candidate Nithya Raman hopes late votes will help her. The current mayor has failed to win most of the votes. This has not happened in a local primary for 21 years.

The results show a deep split in the city. Voters are angry about high costs, crime, and people living on the streets. They want a change, even if it comes from TV.

WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW

21 years since a sitting mayor failed to win over half the votes.

• 2nd place is currently held by Spencer Pratt.
• 3 main candidates are fighting for the top job.
• 1 current mayor is fighting to keep their job without a clear win.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

What does it say about our city when a TV figure becomes a serious choice for mayor? For years, people have said that normal politicians do not listen. Now, voters are choosing fame over past work in city hall to force a change.

We must ask if this is about real help or just anger. Are voters picking Pratt because they like his plans? Or do they just want to shock the system?

THE OTHER SIDE

Friends of the current mayor say running a massive city needs real skills. They argue that late votes will show the public still wants steady hands during tough times. Based on the current vote gap, that hope looks weak.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The city faces weeks of counting before the final results are clear. This wait leaves local government in limbo. If no candidate gets over half the votes, the top two will face each other in a November vote.

This means months of tense political fights. It will force the city to focus on elections instead of fixing daily problems on the streets.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

How many mail-in votes are still left to count?

• Will Nithya Raman get enough late votes to pass Spencer Pratt?
• What is Spencer Pratt's actual plan to run the city if he wins?