Pratt says he doesn’t need ‘anyone’s endorsement’ after Trump backs his LA mayor bid

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has dismissed the possibility of receiving an endorsement from former US President Donald Trump, asserting that local elections should remain free from national political influence. Speaking to NBC News on Thursday, the former reality television star emphasised that his campaign is driven by grassroots support rather than high-profile backing. “I don’t need anyone’s endorsement but mothers’. That’s who’s getting me elected,” Pratt stated, underlining his focus on community-level engagement in the race for Los Angeles mayor. His comments come amid speculation that Trump, a polarising figure in California, might weigh in on the contest, which has drawn a crowded field of candidates vying to succeed outgoing Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The debate over national political interference in local races has intensified in recent months, particularly in major urban centres where high-profile endorsements can sway voter perceptions. Trump, who remains a dominant force in the Republican Party, has not publicly commented on the Los Angeles mayoral race, though his past interventions in local politics—such as his 2020 endorsement of a congressional candidate in a competitive district—have sparked controversy. Pratt’s refusal to seek or rely on Trump’s backing reflects a broader trend among some candidates who aim to distance themselves from partisan divisions, especially in a deeply Democratic-leaning city like Los Angeles. His campaign strategy instead centres on mobilising parental and community groups, a tactic that resonates in a city grappling with issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and education.

The Los Angeles mayoral election, scheduled for March 2024, has already become one of the most closely watched local races in recent years, with candidates from diverse backgrounds entering the fray. Pratt, best known for his role in the reality TV series *The Hills*, enters the contest as an outsider candidate, a positioning that has both energised and alienated segments of the electorate. His remarks underscore the delicate balance candidates must strike between leveraging name recognition and avoiding the polarising effects of national politics. Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that endorsements from figures like Trump could energise certain voter bases but might also galvanise opposition elsewhere, particularly in a city where progressive values dominate.

As the race heats up, Pratt’s defiance of traditional political endorsements highlights a broader conversation about the role of celebrity and national figures in local governance. With Los Angeles facing pressing challenges, including a homelessness crisis and strained public services, the outcome of the mayoral election could have far-reaching implications for the city’s future. Pratt’s campaign, though unconventional, taps into voter fatigue with partisan politics, offering a counter-narrative in a race where traditional endorsements may carry less weight than grassroots mobilisation. The coming months will reveal whether his strategy resonates with Angelenos or if the allure of high-profile support ultimately proves decisive.