Celebrities inject thousands into the LA Mayor’s race — here’s who’s backing whom

With less than a month until the Los Angeles mayoral election, a majority of voters remain undecided — but the candidates are not shying away from courting both Hollywood’s influence and its deep pockets.

Mayor Karen Bass and progressive Councilmember Nithya Raman have unveiled new proposals aimed at bringing film production back to Los Angeles, while reality-TV-star-turned-political hopeful Spencer Pratt is leaning on his own Hollywood ties from his time on television, NBC 4 reported.

A UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs poll found that 40% of likely voters remain undecided just two months before the Los Angeles mayoral primary, signaling a highly volatile race. Incumbent Karen Bass leads with 25%, followed by Spencer Pratt at 11% and Nithya Raman at 9%, with other candidates trailing far behind. With a crowded field of 14 candidates, it is unlikely any will win a majority outright.

High-profile figures — including Michael Jackson’s sister, a former Los Angeles Lakers executive and actor Adam Scott — have donated to various candidates in the race.

Each candidate faces mounting challenges.

Raman, while not broadly endorsed, is campaigning in the shadow of the Democratic Socialists of America. Bass is still recovering from backlash over the handling of the Palisades Fire, while Pratt is a political newcomer with little to no experience.

The next mayor will have the mammoth task of overseeing major global events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics, while also tackling persistent issues such as homelessness and a struggling film industry that continues to leave Los Angeles due to rising costs.

Below is a look at which industry figures are backing each candidate:

Karen Bass

The incumbent has long attracted wealthy and influential supporters, with campaign donations capped at $1,800.

• JJ Abrams: Film and television director and producer behind “Lost,” “Alias,” “Felicity,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Mission: Impossible III”
• Edythe Broad: Philanthropist and founder of The Broad
• Jon Feltheimer: CEO of Lionsgate Entertainment
• Samuel L. Jackson: Oscar-nominated actor known for “Pulp Fiction,” the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy, “Django Unchained”
• La Toya Jackson: Singer and actress; sister of Michael and Janet Jackson
• David Miner: Executive producer for “30 Rock,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
• Gelila Puck: Designer and wife of Wolfgang Puck
• Casa Vega: Classic Mexican restaurant in Sherman Oaks

Spencer Pratt

The former cast member of the reality TV series “The Hills” entered the race after his own home burned down in the fires, vowing accountability.

• Jeanie Buss: Former Los Angeles Lakers owner
• Jeff Jenkins: Reality TV producer behind “The Simple Life,” “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Total Divas”
• Katharine McPhee: Singer and actress
• Rick Salomon: Professional poker player linked to Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, and Shannen Doherty

Nithya Raman

Raman, once a Bass ally, launched an 11th-hour bid for mayor.

• Jon Favreau: Former director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama
• Chris Lloyd: Creator of “Modern Family”
• Mindy Kaling: Actor and writer (Raman spoke at Kaling’s Walk of Fame ceremony)
• Michael Schur: Creator of “Parks and Recreation,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
• Paul Scheer: Actor and comedian
• Adam Scott: Actor known for “Severance” and “Parks and Recreation”

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