You probably remember Spencer Pratt as the guy who spent the late 2000s carrying crystals and being the "villain" on MTV’s The Hills. For years, he was just another reality star living in the Hollywood bubble. But things have changed. If you’ve been following the news lately, specifically the aftermath of the devastating California wildfires, you know that Spencer Pratt and Gavin Newsom are currently locked in a very real, very public battle over the future of Los Angeles.
This isn't just about tabloid drama or social media clout. It’s personal.
In January 2025, the Palisades Fire ripped through the Pacific Palisades, destroying thousands of homes. Among those who lost everything were Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag. Since then, Spencer hasn't just been mourning his house—he's been on a warpath. He has transitioned from a reality TV caricature into a relentless political critic, and his primary target is California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Fire That Changed Everything
Basically, the connection between Spencer Pratt and Gavin Newsom started with the smoke. When the Palisades Fire broke out on New Year’s Eve, it was initially a small brush fire. Firefighters thought they had it under control, but it smoldered underground for a week. Then the Santa Ana winds hit. By January 7, 2025, the fire had exploded, killing 12 people and burning over 23,000 acres.
Spencer and Heidi’s home was reduced to ash. Their parents' homes were also lost.
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Pratt’s anger toward Newsom stems from a belief that this wasn't just a natural disaster. It was, in his words, "criminal negligence." He argues that the state, under Newsom’s leadership, failed to maintain Topanga State Park, allowing dry brush to accumulate for decades. He’s also been vocal about the failure of the city’s water supply system, which reportedly hampered firefighting efforts when the sparks started flying.
Why Spencer Pratt Is Suing Gavin Newsom and the State
If you think Spencer is just venting on TikTok, you’re only seeing half the story. He’s taking this to the courts. Pratt and over 20 other Pacific Palisades residents filed a massive lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power (LADWP), but his rhetoric has consistently pointed the finger at the Governor's office too.
- The Smoldering Theory: Spencer claims the fire was allowed to smolder for a week in a state-run park without proper mitigation.
- The Insurance Crisis: He has blasted Newsom for creating a "hostile" insurance market that caused major carriers to drop homeowners right before the disaster.
- The "Closure" Argument: When authorities arrested Jonathan Rinderknecht for arson in October 2025, Newsom suggested the arrest brought "closure" to the victims. Spencer shot back immediately, telling the Governor, "This ain't closure, pal." He believes the arson arrest actually proves his point—that the state allowed an avoidable fire to reignite.
It’s a weird sight, honestly. You have the star of The Hills standing in the ruins of his neighborhood, enlisting U.S. Senator Rick Scott and former Attorney General Pam Bondi to push for a federal investigation into California’s state leadership. He’s not calling himself an activist; he says he’s just a "taxpayer" who is done being ignored.
From "Villain" to Mayoral Candidate
The tension peaked on the one-year anniversary of the fire. On January 7, 2026, Spencer Pratt stood at a "They Let Us Burn!" rally and officially announced his bid for Mayor of Los Angeles.
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His platform? Exposing the "broken machine" of California politics. He’s been taking direct shots at Newsom’s management style, accusing the administration of prioritizing bureaucratic red tape over the safety of residents. He even attacked Newsom for holding press conferences about the Palisades from East L.A., calling him a "coward" for not facing the victims in person.
Critics say Spencer is just using his platform to stay relevant. They point to his past—staged divorces, crystal healing, and reality TV antics—as evidence that he isn't a serious political figure. But for the people in the Palisades who lost their homes, Spencer is the only one with enough followers to actually make the Governor uncomfortable.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Beef
It’s easy to dismiss this as "celebrity vs. politician," but there’s a deeper policy debate happening here. This isn't just about a house. It’s about land use and wildfire maintenance.
- Prescribed Burns: Spencer argues that the state has neglected brush clearing for 50 years. This is a common criticism of California's forest management, though the Newsom administration argues they’ve increased funding for fire prevention.
- Housing Policy: Pratt has used his platform to fight against denser housing developments on burn-scarred lots. He argues that putting more people in high-risk fire zones is a recipe for more deaths, while Newsom has generally pushed for more housing density to solve the state's affordability crisis.
- Free Speech: Spencer even waded into legislative battles, urging Newsom to veto bills aimed at social media companies, arguing that the Governor wants to "crack down" on any online speech that criticizes the state's performance.
Whether you love him or hate him, you've got to admit that Pratt’s transition is fascinating. He’s gone from fighting with Lauren Conrad to fighting with the most powerful man in California.
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What’s Next for This Rivalry?
As we head into 2026, the battle is only getting more intense. Spencer's mayoral campaign is gaining steam with endorsements from figures like Steve Hilton, and his lawsuit is moving through the discovery phase. Every time Newsom makes a move on wildfire policy, you can bet Spencer Pratt will be there with a camera and a caption.
If you’re following this saga, here are the three things you should keep an eye on:
- The Federal Investigation: If Rick Scott succeeds in getting a congressional look at the Palisades response, it could force Newsom’s administration to release internal communications about the fire’s origin.
- The Mayor’s Race: Spencer is running as a disruptor. Watch how he uses his social media reach to bypass traditional news outlets that he claims are "scared" of the Governor.
- The Insurance Market: This is the boring but critical part. If the state can't stabilize the insurance market, more homeowners will likely join Spencer’s crusade for "accountability."
The Spencer Pratt and Gavin Newsom saga is a wild look at how celebrity influence and real-world tragedy can collide to shake up the political status quo. It’s no longer about who said what at a party; it’s about who is responsible for the ashes.
To stay informed on the actual legal developments of the Palisades lawsuit, you should regularly check the Los Angeles Superior Court filings and follow local independent journalists who are covering the "They Let Us Burn!" movement directly from the ground. Be sure to verify any "viral" claims against official fire marshal reports to separate the political theater from the technical facts of the investigation.