Spencer Pratt shares Raman’s crying image, taunts ‘they know where to find votes’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As officials in Los Angeles continue to count ballots for the closely watched mayoral race, Republican candidate and reality television personality Spencer Pratt ignited fresh controversy on Sunday, June 7, with a social media post directed at his rival, Nithya Raman. 

With Raman quickly closing the gap and expected to surpass him in the standings, Pratt used the ongoing vote count to deliver a pointed message that immediately drew attention online.

Pratt takes a swipe at Raman 

Pratt shared a photo of Raman appearing emotional alongside a sarcastic message referencing California's lengthy ballot-counting process.

“Remember everyone… we are still in the lead, and we’ve got all the way til July 6th to keep counting,” Pratt wrote.

He then added the line that generated the most attention: “They’re not the only ones who know where to find votes.”

The post quickly circulated among supporters and critics alike, with many interpreting it as a jab at Raman's improving position in the race as additional ballots continue to be processed.

While Pratt did not directly accuse anyone of wrongdoing, his comments appeared to mock the steady shift in vote totals that has reduced his lead over Raman.

Nithya Raman will speak on National Coming Out Day 2024, October 11, in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for BabyGay & The Black Cat)

Frustration grows over California's slow count

The latest vote totals show Raman gaining ground with each new batch of ballots released by election officials.

With roughly three-quarters of ballots counted, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass remains comfortably ahead and has already secured a place in November's runoff election.

The battle for the second runoff spot, however, has become increasingly competitive.

Raman, who initially trailed by a significant margin, has steadily climbed closer to Pratt as mail-in and provisional ballots continue to be counted.

Election observers expect the margin between the two candidates to remain extremely tight until additional results are released.

The possibility of Raman overtaking Pratt has become one of the biggest storylines of the race.

Pratt has repeatedly voiced frustration with California's extended ballot-counting timeline in recent days.

Earlier, he joked online about trying to understand how votes are tabulated in Los Angeles and urged supporters to remain patient as election officials worked through outstanding ballots.

The prolonged process is largely driven by California's heavy reliance on vote-by-mail.

State law allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive and be counted later, extending the timeline for final results.

Election officials argue that the slower process helps ensure accuracy and allows every eligible ballot to be reviewed before results are certified.