Kelsey Grammer Weighs In On LA Mayoral Race
Actor Kelsey Grammer is making his political preferences known ahead of Los Angeles' June 2 primary election, throwing his support behind reality television personality Spencer Pratt while taking a jab at incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The "Cheers" and "Frasier" star spoke to the New York Post after attending a campaign event in Westlake Village, where he offered a colorful nickname for Bass that he says has become common in his household.
“I just call her Karen Bass-ackwards. That’s what we’ve always called her in my house,” Grammer said.
The actor didn't stop there. He praised Pratt as the strongest candidate in the crowded mayoral field, arguing that voters looking for change have only one realistic option.
“He’s the only guy that’s a real option. We know what the rest is going to do,” Grammer told the outlet.
The endorsement arrives at a pivotal moment in the race. According to a UC Berkeley–Los Angeles Times poll cited by CNBC, Bass leads the field with 26 percent support, followed closely by Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman at 25 percent. Pratt sits just behind them at 22 percent, putting him within striking distance as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Kelsey Grammer reveals his nasty nickname for Karen Bass as he backs Spencer Pratt for LA mayor https://t.co/nwZq4OpAGc pic.twitter.com/ZBKlyEKESX
— New York Post (@nypost) May 30, 2026
Pratt launched his campaign after losing his Pacific Palisades home during last year's devastating wildfires. Since entering the race, he has focused heavily on issues including homelessness, crime, wildfire preparedness, and the rising costs of living and doing business in Los Angeles.
“I only got into the race because nobody else was going to run,” Pratt told CNBC. “I had to step up for my community and for Los Angeles.”
Grammer also took aim at Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent target of conservative criticism and a politician widely viewed as a potential contender for the White House in 2028.
When asked about the governor, Grammer offered a brief but pointed response.
“I just hope we’ve heard the last of him,” he said.
The remarks came during an event hosted by Grammer featuring Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at an Italian restaurant near the Ventura County border. Bessent was promoting the administration's Trump Accounts initiative, a program that provides $1,000 in federal seed funding for investment accounts established for children born during President Trump's second term.
Grammer, who recently welcomed a new child, told KCLU that he has already signed up his 8-month-old son for the program.
Bessent used the event to criticize California's political leadership, arguing that the state's challenges stem from poor governance rather than a lack of resources or opportunity.
“California is a great state — it’s just horribly run,” Bessent said, according to the New York Post.
Grammer enthusiastically praised the Treasury secretary, describing him as a “rockstar” during the gathering. He also delivered another line certain to draw attention from critics and supporters alike, telling attendees that “stupid lives in California.”