Inside Spencer Pratt's election night party: Margaritas flowed as woke rivals crumbled... and the underdog inched closer to victory

By JACQUES PETERSON, US SENIOR ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER Published: 21:46, 3 June 2026 | Updated: 21:46, 3 June 2026 A Mexican restaurant on a sparse street isn't the typical choice for an election party.  But then again, there's nothing typical about Spencer Pratt nor his bid to become Los Angeles' next mayor. Fans of MTV's The Hills will remember Pratt, 42, and wife Heidi Montag, 39, using Santa Monica haunt Don Antonio's as the backdrop for some of their dramatic dinners on the show. Now, the family-owned eatery has become the former reality star's go-to locale for election events.  On Tuesday evening, Pratt gathered a select group of friends, family and celebrities at Don Antonio's to watch as the results trickled in.  Security was incredibly tight, no doubt in response to some of the recent death threats leveled at Pratt and his family as his unapologetic campaign and growing momentum has shocked California's career politicians and outraged die-hard liberals.  Indeed, his candidacy was initially laughed off by incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and democratic socialist Nithya Raman as nothing more than a shameless publicity stunt.  But on Tuesday night, as Pratt's chance of winning became undeniable, naysayers were forced to confront the fact that with 30 percent of the vote and counting, the former reality TV villain is a serious contender to lead the city into the future. Spencer Pratt and wife Heidi Montag enter Pratt's election night party at Don Antonio's in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, on Tuesday While Bass leads with a comfortable 35 percent of the vote, Raman ended the night in tears Raman ended the night in tears, powerless to continue her fight after gathering just 22 percent of the vote herself. Bass, who is leading with a more comfortable 35 percent, now faces the humbling reality of a November run-off after failing to secure a majority last night. While votes are still being counted, all signs point to Pratt advancing to the November run-off. While the two Democrats commiserated, the party inside Don Antonio's was buzzing.  Famous faces inside included actress Jenny McCarthy, producer David Foster and Katharine McPhee, comedian Heather McDonald, conservative podcaster Adam Carolla, Billy Bush, and Pratt's MTV alumni like Brody Jenner and Johnny Bananas. The rest of the guest list was comprised of Pratt's close friends and family, as well as dozens of behind-the-scenes Hollywood types that Pratt and Montag have worked with over the years. One supporter, a middle-aged mom and lifelong Los Angeles resident, had baked cookies with Pratt's face on them. She handed them out to guests as waiters balanced trays of tacos and taquitos in their arms and an open bar served up salt-rimmed margaritas. The atmosphere was electric, with the majority of the crowd certain that Pratt would easily defeat Raman from the moment they walked in the door.   Like many Angelenos, they have had enough of the homeless encampments and open drug use that have turned corners of the once-sparkling metropolis into a cesspit.  'We just have to get rid of Bass,' one guest told the Daily Mail. 'How could anybody seriously support her after what she's done to Los Angeles?' Others were concerned about the loss of jobs in the entertainment industry.  'If you look at the candidates, Pratt's the only one that can bring Hollywood back,' said one industry veteran.  Pratt inside the exclusive party at Don Antonio's with friends including Brody Jenner (far right) David Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee were among the celebrity guests who came out to support Pratt's run for mayor  Pratt's wife Heidi Montag looked like the perfect politician's wife in a white miniskirt and matching blazer Your browser does not support iframes. Much like his eclectic group of friends, the party crowd was a blended soup of conservatives, independents and a smattering of brave Democrats ready for a change. Pratt is running as an independent, determined not to be defined by any brand other than that of a lifelong Angeleno who's fed up with the city's current leadership.  While those invited sipped tequila inside, fans showed their support outside the restaurant, the packed street resembling a chaotic scene not witnessed since the height of Pratt and Montag's fame on The Hills. Throngs of reporters, paparazzi, and fans wearing 'Pratt for Mayor' merch lined the front and back of Don Antonio's, desperate for even a moment with the political underdog.  Back inside, Pratt, now clean-shaven and styled in snappy business attire following a mayoral makeover, could barely move a few steps without being swarmed by people wanting a selfie or to offer their congratulations. Meanwhile Montag debuted her take on first-lady style with a Hollywood spin, wearing a white miniskirt and matching blazer that revealed a hint of cleavage beneath a gleaming diamond cross necklace.  Montag, who moonlights as a pop star when she doesn't have her hands full as a mom of two, has been busy working on her next album and preparing for a performance with Kesha next month. But on Tuesday, she was more than happy to play the role of supportive spouse, mingling and posing for photos with guests who had gathered for her husband. Brody Jenner and partner Tia Blanco also came out to support Pratt Juicy Scoop host Heather McDonald, who is a longtime friend of Pratt's, left the party with a Spencer Pratt cookie in hand Once it was clear that Pratt had successfully beat Raman and was headed for his next battle with Bass, he finally stepped outside to address the waiting press.    'She knows it's on,' he told reporters. 'I hope she's ready. I literally could not be more excited.' He said he was 'confident' he could win over some of Bass's progressive supporters, before teasing another face-off with the incumbent on the debate stage. 'We can do debates every Friday if she would like,' he said with a smile. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. 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