Spencer Pratt’s improbable rise from reality television personality to national political sensation ended when he failed to qualify for the runoff to challenge Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Nithya Raman, a progressive city council member, will face Bass in November. Pratt's candidacy was fueled by celebrity and artificial intelligence videos generated by his supporters. Although he fell short, his relentless focus on quality of life concerns in America's second-largest city tapped into angst over persistent homelessness and a slow recovery from last year's wildfires. Pratt often said “my city failed” during his campaign, while Bass, who is seeking a second term, dismissed him as a political novice.

Progressive city council member Nithya Raman has advanced to a November runoff against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, setting up an unexpected matchup between two Democrats and former political allies to run the struggling city of nearly 4 million. The outcome means Spencer Pratt, a Republican and former reality television personality from “The Hills,” is out of the running. Raman made a last-minute entry into the race, after she had endorsed Bass for reelection. The race also has historical markers. Bass is the first Black woman to hold the post, and Raman could be the first South Asian woman in the job.