CNN’s Harry Enten calls Trump’s LA election rigged claims 'dumbest conspiracy theory'

CNN's chief data correspondent Harry Enten used data to debunk President Donald Trump's claims of a rigged Los Angeles mayoral primary
CNN's chief data correspondent Harry Enten called claims that Democrats were stealing the Los Angeles mayoral race from Spencer Pratt among the dumbest conspiracies he'd heard (Win McNamee/Getty Images, @HarryEnten/X)
CNN's chief data correspondent Harry Enten called claims that Democrats were stealing the Los Angeles mayoral race from Spencer Pratt among the dumbest conspiracies he'd heard (Win McNamee/Getty Images, @HarryEnten/X)


WASHINGTON, DC: CNN’s chief data correspondent Harry Enten lashed out at President Trump and debunked his claim of rigged Los Angeles elections with data on the latest episode of the show.

Harry Enten broke down the latest numbers from the race with CNN anchor John Berman on Monday, June 8.

The development comes amid Trump's repeated claims on Monday that the California election was rigged, this time in reference to the Los Angeles mayoral primary and reality TV star Spencer Pratt.

“Not possible for Spencer Pratt to have lost the LA runoffs after the big lead he had,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: U.S. President Donald Trump participates in the final presidential debate against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at Belmont University on October 22, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the last debate between the two candidates before the election on November 3. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump participates in the final presidential debate against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden at Belmont University on October 22, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

CNN's Harry Enten slams LA mayoral race conspiracy claims

During the latest episode of his show, Enten called MAGA-world claims that Democrats are trying to steal the Los Angeles mayoral race from reality TV star Spencer Pratt one of the “dumbest conspiracy theories” he’s ever heard.

CNN anchor John Berman noted that Democratic Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman had moved ahead of Republican candidate Spencer Pratt as additional ballots were counted in the Los Angeles mayoral race.

Berman pointed out that if the race were to end at its current stage, the top two candidates advancing would both be Democrats.

Spencer Pratt visits 'Fox & Friends' at Fox News Channel Studios on May 28, 2026 in New York City (Getty Images)
Nithya Raman moved ahead of Republican candidate Spencer Pratt as additional ballots were counted in the Los Angeles mayoral race (Getty Images)

He also pushed back on claims from Republicans, including President Donald Trump, that the vote count was somehow “rigged,” arguing that the shifting results reflected California’s standard ballot-counting process.

Berman added that the candidate most affected by Raman’s rise was not a Republican, but incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, before turning to CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten for further analysis.

“Yeah, this is the dumbest conspiracy theory I have ever heard, because the Democratic establishment and Karen Bass wanted Spencer Pratt in the run-off. They don’t want any part of Nithya Raman,” Enten replied.

Nithya Raman, a candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, speaks during a campaign event about tenant protections with renters in Los Angeles, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Nithya Raman, a candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race, speaks during a campaign event about tenant protections with renters in Los Angeles, Monday, June 1, 2026 (AP Photo/Jae C Hong)

Harry Enten says Nithya Raman has public support in Los Angeles

CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten argued that Nithya Raman’s rise in the Los Angeles mayoral race was largely driven by her stronger standing with voters compared to both Spencer Pratt and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.

LA councilmember Nithya Raman speaks at national coming out day 2024 on October 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for BabyGay & The Black Cat)
LA councilmember Nithya Raman speaks at National Coming Out Day 2024 on October 11, 2024, in Los Angeles, California (Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for BabyGay & The Black Cat)

Enten pointed to favorability ratings showing Raman with a net positive rating of five points among Los Angeles voters, while Bass was 22 points underwater.

By contrast, Enten said Pratt was even less popular than the incumbent mayor, citing polling that showed the Republican candidate with a net favorability rating of negative 32 points.

According to Enten, Bass would be better positioned in a head-to-head contest against Pratt than against Raman, arguing that the Democratic councilmember’s stronger favorability numbers make her a more competitive challenger.

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