Spencer Pratt is not backing down from criticism surrounding his Los Angeles mayoral campaign. 

After Lisa Rinna publicly questioned whether a former reality TV personality should run one of California’s biggest cities, the former “Hills” star fired back with a blistering response that quickly dragged current mayor Karen Bass into the spotlight. 

Pratt’s response instantly escalated the growing feud surrounding his unconventional campaign, which has already drawn reactions from several Hollywood names while gaining serious fundraising momentum ahead of the election.

Spencer Pratt Responds After Lisa Rinna Questions His Campaign

Spencer Pratt hit back at Lisa Rinna on Tuesday after the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star dismissed the idea of a “reality person” becoming mayor of Los Angeles. 

As The Blast reported, Rinna made the comments while speaking to Variety reporter Marc Malkin at the American Music Awards on Monday.

“That is a good question,” Rinna said when asked who should become the next mayor of her hometown. She then made it clear she was not sold on Pratt’s campaign. 

“I am gonna say I don’t know yet. Not a reality star, though. I’m sorry. I love him, but we’ve already done that, we’re not going to do that again,” she said.

Rinna appeared to reference President Donald Trump, who transitioned from hosting lThe Apprentice” into politics. Although she acknowledged Pratt’s growing momentum, saying, “He’s got power behind him, it seems,” she maintained that Los Angeles needed someone with more political experience.

“Listen, I’m a reality person,” Rinna added. “You wouldn’t want me as mayor, really. I mean, let’s just face it.” 

She later explained that while she “loves” Pratt and thinks “he’s amazing,” she would rather see someone who had already held public office take the role.

Pratt Uses Karen Bass Criticism To Defend His Background

Spencer Pratt wasted little time responding. Taking to X, the former MTV villain shared a clip from a recent Fox interview where he defended his reality TV past while launching sharp attacks against current Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass.

“The reality, pun intended… is that was from 20 years ago,” Pratt said while discussing his time on “The Hills.” 

The 42-year-old then shifted focus toward Bass’ past, saying, “If we look at what Karen Bass was doing 20 years ago, she was in Cuba learning how to make bombs with the people who would then go to bomb Capitol Hill.”

Pratt added, “So, if we’re looking at backgrounds, I’m pretty proud of what I was doing at 20 on reality television.” 

He continued the criticism by saying, “Even though I may not have been the most likable character, it was still TV, versus trying to destroy America and going to Cuba 20 times and praising Fidel Castro.”

The reality star concluded, “So, against my opponent, my background is pretty strong.”

Spencer Pratt Directly Calls Out Lisa Rinna On Social Media

Pratt also addressed Rinna directly in the caption accompanying his X post. “Hey Lisa, if you’re against me because I was on a TV show in my 20’s, wait til you learn what Karen Bass was doing in her 20’s…” he wrote.

The comment referenced Bass’ history with the Venceremos Brigade, a pro-Cuban Revolution group. In 1973, the Los Angeles mayor traveled to Cuba with the organization to assist with construction projects and later shared a photo from the trip in 2016. 

According to reports, Bass visited Cuba eight times during the 1970s and returned again in March 2016 with former President Barack Obama.

Pratt’s remarks immediately fueled further debate online, especially as his campaign continues gaining attention. Many fans praised Pratt for making something out of his life, years after his reality TV stint.

Others even referenced the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had a history in Hollywood, before becoming the former governor of California.

Pratt Says Los Angeles Failures Inspired His Political Run

Spencer Pratt’s move into politics came after devastating personal losses during last year’s Pacific Palisades fires. The former TV personality lost his home in the disaster and has since been living between trailers and hotels.

When critics attacked him online for staying at the expensive Hotel Bel-Air for several nights, Pratt pushed back forcefully. 

“Hey guys, why don’t they wanna talk about why I need a hotel in the first place? Karen Bass let my home burn down. Also, 6,000 of my neighbors. NBD,” he said per The Blast.

Since launching his campaign, Pratt has frequently criticized both Bass and Los Angeles city councilwoman Nithya Raman, blaming city leadership for failures tied to the fires and broader city management issues. 

His outspoken approach has kept him constantly in headlines and appears to be resonating with some supporters.

Spencer Pratt Builds Momentum Ahead Of Los Angeles Election

Despite skepticism from Hollywood figures like Rinna, Spencer Pratt’s campaign has continued gaining traction financially. 

According to campaign finance records reviewed by PEOPLE, Pratt has raised more than $500,000 for his mayoral run since January, surpassing Bass’ fundraising total during the same period.

Rinna herself admitted that Pratt appears to have significant backing behind him, even while arguing Los Angeles should be led by someone with established governing experience. 

Meanwhile, the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election is scheduled for June 2, and Pratt appears determined to keep pushing forward despite resistance from Hollywood figures questioning whether a former reality television villain belongs in City Hall.