LOS ANGELES — June 3, 2026

Business leader John Putnam has attributed the rising support for Spencer Pratt in the Los Angeles mayoral race to widespread public concern over crime, homelessness, addiction, the aftermath of recent wildfires, and a difficult environment for businesses in the city and surrounding areas.

Putnam, president of Putnam Brands & Putnam Accessory Group, said many residents believe current political leadership has not adequately addressed these interconnected issues. He noted that Pratt’s direct and straightforward style of communicating his positions appears to be resonating with voters who feel disconnected from traditional political approaches.

The comments come as Los Angeles continues recovery efforts following the Palisades and Eaton fires that began in January 2025. Those fires caused extensive damage in areas including Altadena and the Palisades, affecting both residential neighborhoods and local businesses such as restaurants, salons, and retail establishments.

Putnam highlighted challenges facing the local economy, particularly in Santa Monica, where his company is based. He stated that the area relies heavily on visitor revenue and that operating costs rank among the highest in surveyed cities due to regulations and other factors. He also observed that while some violent crime statistics have shown improvement in broader trends, residents continue to report concerns about petty crime and quality-of-life issues.

Separately, Los Angeles County election officials reported two incidents of potential interference in the days leading up to the June 2 primary. A small number of ballots were discovered burned inside an official ballot drop box at the Department of Public Social Services-Civic Center in Los Angeles. The incident occurred between the last collection on Saturday and the first collection on Sunday. In Long Beach, vandalism was found at the voting center located in Cesar E. Chavez Park on Sunday morning. Officials stated that voting operations continued without interruption at the affected site. The county registrar-recorder’s office said it is reviewing both incidents, working to identify any affected voters, and making replacement ballots available as needed.

Pratt, a former reality television personality, has drawn attention in the crowded mayoral field by focusing on these local frustrations. Putnam said even voters who may not ultimately support Pratt are paying attention to the issues he has raised.

The primary election will narrow the field of candidates for the November general election. Voter sentiment in the weeks leading up to the primary has reflected ongoing debates about public safety, recovery from the wildfires, economic conditions, and the effectiveness of current city leadership.

Election officials have emphasized that the reported incidents involved a limited number of ballots and that safeguards remain in place to ensure the integrity of the voting process. Further updates on the review of the incidents are expected in the coming days.