A wave of AI-generated videos featuring burning Hollywood landmarks, political satire, and comic-book-style action scenes has gone viral online, boosting attention around reality TV star and political candidate Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
The video, which has amassed millions of views on X, shows an animated version of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass portrayed in exaggerated Joker-style imagery, while California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris appear in stylised elite settings as a Batman-like figure moves through chaotic city streets.
The clips are part of a broader online campaign supporting Pratt’s bid for Los Angeles mayor, as the former The Hills star attempts to translate his reality TV fame into political momentum.
Republican supporters say the viral content is energising voters in a city where the party has historically struggled in local elections, with some describing it as a fresh way of engaging the electorate.
Pratt’s campaign has also drawn attention from President Donald Trump, who commented, “I’d like to see him do well. He’s a character.”
While some Democrats have downplayed the impact of the viral videos, arguing that many online supporters are outside Los Angeles and won’t participate in the election, they acknowledge that the race is becoming increasingly competitive.
Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat seeking re-election, is facing challengers from both the left and right as polling shows shifting voter preferences ahead of the June 2 primary.
A recent survey indicated Bass leading with 30%, followed by Pratt at 22% and City Council member Nithya Raman at 20%, with a significant portion of voters still undecided.
Pratt, once best known for his role on the MTV reality show The Hills, has seen renewed public attention in recent years, particularly after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the Los Angeles wildfires.
He later gained online traction after encouraging followers to stream his wife Heidi Montag’s music to help the couple recover financially, a campaign that went viral and boosted her 2010 album.
Following that surge in visibility, Pratt became an outspoken critic of Bass and Governor Newsom, particularly over wildfire response efforts.
In January, he formally entered the mayoral race, declaring: “This just isn’t a campaign — this is a mission, and we are going to expose the system. We are going into every dark corner of L.A. politics and disinfecting the city with our light.”
His campaign has denied involvement in the viral AI-generated videos, though Pratt continues to use social media heavily, including parody content and music-inspired posts, to engage voters.
In one recent video, he rapped over a parody of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme, referencing criticism about his living situation.
Los Angeles Republican Party Chair Roxanne Hoge said Pratt’s online presence is reshaping political engagement in the city.
“To see, not only online, but to see people in real life getting super excited about this is very unusual,” she said.
However, she cautioned that online popularity does not necessarily translate into votes.
“I always caution people that, you know, likes and clicks and followers are not votes, but there is a vibe shift,” she added.
Democratic analysts argue that while Pratt’s rise is notable, Bass remains a strong contender despite declining approval ratings and criticism over city governance.
A Los Angeles Times poll showed Bass at 30%, Pratt at 22%, and Raman at 20%, setting the stage for a highly competitive primary where the top two candidates will advance to a runoff if no one secures a majority.
