Union ad attacking Spencer Pratt may have handed him a campaign gift

A political ad opposing Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt is gaining attention online; Critics argue the message may ultimately benefit the former reality TV star’s campaign rather than hurt it.

advertSpread widely on X in recent days, it attacks Spencer Pratt over homelessness, policing and public employee unions and urges voters to reject the Republican nominee.

“Republican Spencer Pratt is the last thing Los Angeles needs for mayor,” the speaker in the video says. “Pratt opposes using taxpayer money to build brand new homes for homeless neighbors and says it’s time for homeless people to get help or move out.

The ad continued: “Pratt thinks Los Angeles needs thousands more police officers rather than more social workers, and Republican Spencer Pratt thinks public employee unions should have less power, not more.” “LA is on the right track and needs to stay that way. Vote no on Republican Spencer Pratt.”

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Los Angeles Ethics Commission records show the ad was funded by an independent expenditure committee called “LA Unions Oppose Spencer Pratt for 2026 Mayor,” sponsored by the AFL-CIO, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

The group reported in its Form 496 filing that it spent $221,000 on digital advertising against Spencer Pratt.

The tone and framing of the ad quickly sparked backlash online; Some users suggested that rather than weakening Spencer Pratt’s campaign, the criticisms might resonate with voters frustrated by conditions in Los Angeles.

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Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, amplified the video on X, writing: “This attack ad may very well pick Pratt.”

Some users on X also mocked the ad’s message. One user wrote: “Is this supposed to be an attack ad??? Hahaha.” Another wrote: “Wow even @UnrigLA is running ads supporting Spencer Pratt. This is an incredible ad supporting Spencer Pratt!!!”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Spencer Pratt’s campaign and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor for comment.

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Former reality television star Spencer Pratt (left) is one of two formidable candidates running against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to lead the nation’s second-largest city. (Left (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images), Right (Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images))

The ad comes as Pratt’s mayoral bid draws attention following his performance in a recent debate in which he stood out for his open criticism of city leadership and policy priorities, including combating homelessness and crime.

Throughout his campaign, Pratt emphasized issues such as homelessness, public safety and government spending, positioning himself as a political outsider challenging the status quo in Los Angeles and gaining support from voters dissatisfied with the current leadership.

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According to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, independent expenditure committees are prohibited from coordinating with candidates and are often used by outside groups to influence elections.