Pratt’s pitch is too MAGA-coded for deep-blue L.A. Photo: Ethan Noah Roy In its initial phases, the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral contest was as low-key (bordering on boring) as the parallel California gubernatorial race. Mayor Karen Bass has had persistently low job-approval numbers, dating back to her shaky handling of the Palisades Fire early last year. But several potential big-dog rivals (including her wealthy 2022 opponent, mall developer Rick Caruso ) gave the race a pass. It seemed L.A.