Spencer Pratt has captured audiences for nearly two decades as one of television’s most divisive personalities. Known originally for his role on MTV’s The Hills, Pratt has continually reinvented himself while staying in the public eye. In 2026, he’s once again making headlines — not for a reality show feud, but for launching a run for Los Angeles mayor and releasing a revealing memoir that has everyone talking. With a career that has spanned entertainment, controversy, and now politics, Pratt remains a figure who divides opinion and sparks conversation.
Who Is Spencer Pratt? A Quick Overview
Spencer Pratt, born August 14, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, first stepped into the spotlight in 2005 as a cast member on MTV’s hit series The Hills. The show followed the real lives of young adults navigating careers, relationships, and friendship drama in Southern California. Pratt quickly became infamous as one of reality TV’s original “villains,” especially due to his turbulent relationship with co-star Heidi Montag and ongoing feuds with Lauren Conrad. Pratt and Montag eventually married in 2008, cementing their status as tabloid fixtures. The couple now has two young sons and remains deeply entwined in the fabric of early-2000s pop culture.
The Hills, “Speidi,” and Reality TV Fame
Pratt’s time on The Hills wasn’t just about drama; it was a formative experience that shaped his public persona and career trajectory. Known alongside his wife Heidi Montag as “Speidi,” Pratt was infamous for courting controversy and conflict. In The Hills, he was often pitted against other cast members, and his confrontational style made him – for better or worse – a central figure on the show. His presence helped boost ratings and made him a recognizable name in American households during the show’s run and in subsequent reunions and spin-offs.
A New Chapter: Memoir and Revelations
In January 2026, Spencer Pratt released a memoir titled The Guy You Loved to Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain. The book’s launch has thrust him back into the spotlight with a wave of highly publicized revelations.
In the memoir, Pratt doesn’t shy away from discussing his formative years and early controversies in Hollywood. One of the most talked-about disclosures is his admission that, as a teenager, he sold personal-party photos of actress Mary-Kate Olsen with her then-boyfriend Max Winkler for $50,000. Pratt recounts how he acquired the images and turned them over to a photo agency, a choice he says helped fund his early ambitions in film. These candid accounts offer a rare glimpse into Pratt’s formative years before The Hills and illustrate his long-held affinity for courting notoriety.
Pratt also opens up about other aspects of his reality TV journey in the memoir, including discussions about his The Hills salary. According to Pratt, he was earning between $15,000 and $20,000 per episode at the height of his tenure — figures that underscore how reality TV contracts and compensation have evolved over the years.
Spencer Pratt’s Foray Into Politics: Running for Los Angeles Mayor
In a move that surprised many fans and critics alike, Spencer Pratt announced his bid for mayor of Los Angeles in the 2026 election. The announcement came on January 7, 2026, on the one-year anniversary of the devastating Pacific Palisades fire that destroyed his home — an event that deeply influenced his decision to enter politics. Pratt officially declared his candidacy in front of supporters, framing his campaign as a mission to bring accountability and systemic change to the city’s leadership.
Pratt, who is affiliated with the Republican Party, is entering a nonpartisan municipal election that includes incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and other challengers. He has been outspoken about his criticism of city and state leadership, particularly on issues related to wildfire management and government transparency. His platform centers on reforming public safety infrastructure, addressing wildfire preparedness, and giving a voice to residents affected by catastrophic events like the Palisades fire.
Despite his high name recognition, Pratt’s candidacy has drawn both intrigue and skepticism. Some political observers have questioned the seriousness of a reality television star running for one of the nation’s largest city leadership roles, while others see his campaign as an extension of his long-standing media presence.
Life After The Wildfires: Personal and Family Updates
The 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfires were a turning point for Pratt and his family. Their home was destroyed, and the couple documented the aftermath, including challenges related to rebuilding and relocating. Reports indicate that the family has been living in a rental property and facing financial barriers to rebuilding their multi-million-dollar home. These personal struggles have been central to Pratt’s narrative as a political candidate and in media appearances.
Still, despite these hardships, Pratt and Heidi Montag continue to celebrate family life. Recent media coverage highlights heartwarming snapshots of the couple with their two sons — moments that offer a counterpoint to Pratt’s often contentious public persona.
Navigating Public Perception and Criticism
Throughout his career, Spencer Pratt has been no stranger to public backlash. His outspoken nature, willingness to court controversy, and unapologetic embrace of his “villain” label have made him a polarizing figure. Even as he ventures into politics, critics have already challenged his qualifications and intentions. Commentators in Los Angeles and beyond are closely watching how Pratt’s campaign unfolds and whether his celebrity status will translate into measurable political influence.
At the same time, supporters and some former The Hills peers have rallied around him. Brody Jenner, another alum of the hit MTV series, publicly expressed support for Pratt’s mayoral bid, noting that reality television requires resilience and adaptability — qualities Jenner believes Pratt possesses.
What’s Next for Spencer Pratt?
As Spencer Pratt continues his book tour and mayoral campaign, the public remains fascinated by his journey from reality TV villain to potential political contender. His memoir offers an unfiltered look at his past, while his political ambitions mark a bold new chapter in his life. Whether Pratt resonates with voters, critics, or longtime fans, one thing is clear: he’s not fading quietly into the background.
As voters in Los Angeles prepare for one of the most unusual mayoral races in recent memory, Spencer Pratt’s name is likely to remain in headlines — and minds. With a blend of personal history, public reinvention, and unapologetic self-promotion, Pratt’s story continues to evolve in unpredictable ways.
Are you following Spencer Pratt’s mayoral campaign or curious about his memoir revelations? Share your thoughts below — and stay tuned for more updates from this high-profile figure.