The former reality TV personality said he now identifies himself as a community advocate. Conan Nolan reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Spencer Pratt may be the candidate who benefited most from NBC and Telemundo Los Angeles’ double-header debate night on Wednesday when three LA mayoral candidates and seven California gubernatorial candidates clashed on stage.

Pratt, a second-generation Angeleno and Palisades Fire victim, surprised many during the debate, eloquently and passionately explaining his campaign platforms – improving LA’s handling of wildfires, strengthening public safety, eradicating homelessness – against LA Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman.

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Prior to the debate, many associated him with MTV’s “The Hills,” a reality TV show that aired between 2006 and 2010. But now, Pratt no longer describes himself as a reality TV star.

“When you vote for Spencer Pratt on your ballot today or tonight, it'll say Spencer Pratt, community advocate because that's how I identify,” Pratt said.

Shortly after NBCLA’s mayoral debate, Pratt raised some eyebrows by drawing parallels between him and former Pres. Barack Obama, who worked as a community organizer years before running for the U.S. Senate and eventually for president. The mayoral candidate stood by his comparison despite having less experience in community advocacy than Obama.

“I have two awards from my community. Pres. Obama actually didn’t even have awards when he was a community organizer,” Pratt said. “He was able to become a senator and then a president for eight years, so I feel like him and I have the same experience.”

Feeling more excited about the mayor’s race following his better-than-expected performance on the debate stage, Pratt said he thinks his messages resonated with voters and viewers because he’s “telling the truth.”

“My only goal is to just be true and authentic,” he said. “People are tired with politicians lying about what we see everyday in LA and what we feel.”

Source: Drudge Report