Stars divide over LA mayor’s race: See which celeb is donating to which candidate

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is hoping to hold onto her seat for the second term as the city looks to host some of the biggest events in the world, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, in the coming years.  

However, Bass, who has never lost an election in her political career, found herself against two more prominent challengers: former reality TV star Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman, a Democrat at LA City Hall.

The unexpected drama in the LA mayoral race could be something out of a TV show or movie: Bass, who was expecting a shoo-in reelection, was thrown a curve ball with the 2025 Palisades Fire. Her handling of the fire prevention and response has drawn criticism, especially because she was on a trip to Ghana when the destructive Santa Ana winds were whipping through the region. 

Having additional candidates in the race also means some celebrities who call Los Angeles home have taken sides when it comes to making campaign donations. 

Karen Bass

The former congresswoman has had rich, powerful supporters over the years. While individuals are capped to $1,800 for campaign donations, there are some of the famous names on the campaign contributors’ list for Bass.

• Edythe Broad: Philanthropist and founder of The Broad
• JJ Abrams: Film and television director, producer behind “Lost,” “Alias,” “Felicity,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” Mission: Impossible III”
• Samuel L. Jackson: Oscar-nominated actor behind “Pulp Fiction,” the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy, “Django Unchained”
• La Toya Jackson: Singer, actress, sister of Michael and Janet Jackson
• Jon Feltheimer: CEO of Lions Gate Entertainment
• Gelila Puck: designer, Wolfgang Puck’s wife
• David Miner: executive producer for “30 Rock,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
• Casa Vega: Classic Mexican restaurant in Sherman Oaks

In an one-on-one interview with NBC Los Angeles, Mayor Bass also said the city will be safe to host the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Conan Nolan reports for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Spencer Pratt

The former cast member of the reality TV series “The Hills” has been critical of Bass’ and her office’s handling of the Palisades Fire as his home was burned down. 

Since officially entering the race in February 2026, the Republican candidate has received contributions from the following:

• Jeanie Buss: Former owner of the Los Angeles Lakers 
• Katherine McPhee : Singer, actress
• Rick Salomon: Professional poker player linked to Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, Shannen Doherty
• Jeff Jenkins: Reality TV show producer behind “The Simple Life,” “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Total Divas”

Spencer Pratt met with Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans at the site of his and wife Heidi’s former home in Pacific Palisades, where he talked about the devastating loss and how it’s inspired his ambitious future – running for mayor.

Shannen Doherty

The LA councilmember surprised many, including the incumbent, by making a last-minute bid for LA mayor, just hours before the filing deadline for the race. 

Despite the short duration of her campaign, Raman, who is married to a Hollywood producer, also has some well-known names on her campaign contribution lists.

• Jon Favreau: Former director of speechwriting for Pres. Barack Obama
• Vera “Mindy” Kaling: Actor, writer (Raman spoke at Kaling’s Walk of Fame star unveiling ceremony)
• Adam Scott: Actor behind “Severance,” “Parks and Recreation”
• Michael Schur: Creator of “Parks and Recreation,” Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
• Chris Lloyd: Creator of “Modern Family”
• Paul Scheer: Actor and comedian

Mayor Bass had endorsed Councilmember Raman’s reelection campaign in 2024. Conan Nolan interviews Raman two days after she announced her decision to run.

The names of the donors were part of public records on the website of the LA City Ethics Commission.