Spencer Pratt says his past as a “hated reality star” led to death threats, prompting him to buy firearms and obtain concealed-carry permits—steps he links to support for gun ownership within the Republican Party.
Spencer Pratt framed his political shift the way he might frame a reality confession—direct. and with a warning about what he says happened after he became “a hated reality star.” On Thursday. the former “The Hills” personality used a tense personal account as the pivot point for a new identity: “a gun-owning Republican.”.
Pratt sat down for an interview with CNN journalist Elex Michaelson and was asked why he’s a Republican. He started by telling Elex he was going to break some news before explaining the core reason in his own words: his security team advised him to buy firearms after Pratt said he received a “slew of death threats.”.
Pratt says he and his wife, Heidi, bought guns for their protection in “dangerous” Los Angeles. He also said he obtained “CCWs,” permits to carry concealed weapons—permits he tied to the Republican Party’s support for gun ownership.
The logic he laid out was straightforward: gun-related policies backed by Republicans, Pratt said, were part of what pushed him toward the party for his own safety and for his family.
Pratt’s comments land while he’s running for Los Angeles mayor. He is competing against the current L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, L.A. City Council member Nithya Raman, and several other candidates, with the election set for June 2.
By Thursday night, the emphasis wasn’t on policy details or campaign messaging first. It was on a personal timeline Pratt says began with threats. escalated into weapons purchases. and eventually shaped how he describes the side he wants to stand with—one he says offers him the kind of backing he believes he needs.
Spencer Pratt Heidi Pratt The Hills Los Angeles mayoral race Karen Bass Nithya Raman Republican Party gun ownership CCW permits death threats