In this opinion column, Steve Lopez revisits his criticism of mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt and reflects on the increasingly competitive race for mayor of Los Angeles.

Lopez notes that Pratt did not respond to his previous invitation to discuss the realities of governing the city, although many of Pratt’s supporters contacted him with hostile messages defending the candidate.

Despite mocking some of the reactions, Lopez acknowledges that Pratt has tapped into widespread public frustration over homelessness, the Palisades fire recovery, budget pressures, and dissatisfaction with City Hall.

Lopez highlights the latest UC Berkeley–Los Angeles Times poll, which shows incumbent Mayor Karen Bass at 26%, City Councilmember Nithya Raman at 25%, and Pratt at 22%, indicating a highly competitive race that may require a runoff election.He then outlines five key observations.

First, he argues that understanding Los Angeles’ diverse communities is essential for any mayor, and contends that Bass currently has the deepest familiarity with the city due to her experience in office.Second, he discusses lesser-known candidates Rae Huang and Adam Miller, suggesting voters should not overlook them despite their low polling numbers.

The column also challenges the common argument that Democratic leadership alone is responsible for Los Angeles’ problems, noting that issues such as homelessness, housing shortages, poverty, and mental illness have developed over decades and involve multiple levels of government and both political parties.

Lopez further rejects claims that he has given up on Los Angeles, emphasizing that criticism of political leaders and candidates is part of demanding accountability.

He concludes by urging the next mayor to address the city’s problems while recognizing its strengths and jokingly renews his invitation for Pratt to discuss his campaign and comments about receiving divine encouragement to run for office.