Celebrities and sports stars are among the top contributors to Los Angeles mayoral candidates, with Councilmember Nithya Raman receiving dozens of donations from successful Hollywood writers, producers, and directors. Mayor Karen Bass counts former Major League Baseball star Dave Winfield and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss among her contributors.
Raman's late-breaking entry into the race has attracted a flurry of celebrity support, with Weekend Update host Colin Jost and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt giving the maximum $1,800 contributions to their chosen candidates.
Pratt's campaign has raised nearly $540,000 since January 1, more than any other candidate. His contributions include a $1,800 donation from professional poker player Rick Salomon, known for his 2004 sex tape with Paris Hilton.
The mayoral race is expected to continue attracting big-name donors as the June 2 primary approaches and the possibility of a runoff election in November looms.