Los Angeles, CA – Heidi Montag, the reality TV star turned independent musician, expressed unwavering support for her husband Spencer Pratt's unexpected bid for mayor of Los Angeles during an exclusive interview at a high-profile music industry event this week.
Speaking to Us Weekly on Wednesday, April 29, at the 2026 Billboard Women in Music event held at the Hollywood Palladium, Montag, 39, gushed about Pratt's role in her career and her backing of his political ambitions. "I wouldn’t be here without him," she said. "He is so, so incredible." The event celebrated influential women in music, drawing artists, executives, and cultural figures to the iconic venue in the heart of Los Angeles.
Montag's comments come as Pratt, 42, ramps up his campaign following his announcement in January at the “They Let Us Burn” public demonstration. The gathering highlighted frustrations over the city's response to last year's devastating wildfires. Pratt, known from the early 2000s MTV series The Hills, positioned himself as an outsider ready to challenge the status quo. "The system in Los Angeles isn’t struggling, it’s fundamentally broken," he declared at the time. "It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash. Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I’m done waiting for someone to take real action."
Pratt's entry into the race has drawn attention from his former The Hills castmates, with some reacting publicly to his political pivot. According to reports, reactions have been mixed, though specifics from those responses were not detailed in Montag's interview. She emphasized her full endorsement, stating simply, "He has my full support."
The couple's political foray is deeply intertwined with personal hardship. In 2025, the Palisades Fire ravaged parts of Los Angeles, claiming 12 lives and destroying more than 6,800 businesses and homes. Among the losses was the Pratt-Montag family residence, shared with their two sons, Gunner, 8, and Ryker, 3. The fire not only upended their lives but also unexpectedly boosted Montag's music career, as fans began streaming her older tracks in a show of solidarity to provide financial aid.
Montag, who first gained fame on The Hills in the late 2000s, had maintained a cult following with her music releases during that era. The post-fire surge in streams prompted her return to the studio. She released her album Heidiwood in May 2025, marking a significant milestone in her independent journey. Another record, Masterpiece, is slated for an August release, which she described as featuring "some pool hang bops" – lighthearted, summery tracks designed for casual listening.
As the head of her own record label, Montag highlighted the intensive work involved in her independent operation. "I mean, I’m the record label, so we have a lot of work to do," she told Us Weekly. "It is more than just showing up and performing, which is awesome, and very hard work too." Pratt plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role, supporting her as she navigates production, promotion, and performances without major label backing.
The couple's mutual encouragement extends beyond music and politics. Montag credited Pratt's involvement as essential to her current success. "He is super involved ‘behind the scenes’ as her music career continues to grow," she noted, underscoring their partnership amid busy schedules. This dynamic has been a cornerstone of their relationship since their The Hills days, where their on-screen romance evolved into a real-life marriage and family.
Reflecting on the fire's aftermath, Montag shared the ongoing challenges of rebuilding. "It’s really hard to rebuild, especially when you financially are not really able to," she said. The family has taken a measured approach, with Montag expressing faith in the future: "We’ll just see what God has planned and take one day at a time and be grateful for what we have. See how everything ends up." No specific timeline for their home reconstruction was provided, but the experience has clearly fueled Pratt's mayoral platform, focusing on disaster response and systemic failures.
Pratt's campaign emphasizes reform in how Los Angeles handles environmental crises, drawing directly from the Palisades Fire's toll. The blaze, which scorched vast swaths of the city's upscale neighborhoods, exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, emergency services, and recovery aid. Officials at the time reported over $10 billion in damages, though exact figures continue to be assessed. Pratt has criticized city leadership for prioritizing elite interests over everyday residents, a message that resonates in a metropolis still grappling with climate change impacts.
Montag's appearance at the Billboard event itself marked a professional high point. Honored among women shaping the music landscape, she expressed profound gratitude to her fans. "It is one of the best feelings in the world. I’m so thankful for it," she said. "I really waited for a long time for it. My biggest dream come true. So, it’s an honor to be here." Her journey from reality TV to music acclaim illustrates a rare second act in entertainment, bolstered by grassroots support.
As Pratt's campaign progresses, it remains to be seen how his celebrity background will influence voter perceptions. Los Angeles mayoral elections are notoriously competitive, with incumbents and established politicians dominating. Pratt's announcement in January caught many off guard, blending his outspoken persona with pointed critiques of governance. Related coverage has noted reactions from The Hills alumni, suggesting a blend of amusement and intrigue within Hollywood circles.
The broader implications of Pratt's run touch on celebrity involvement in politics, a trend seen in recent years with figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger's gubernatorial tenure in California. While Montag focuses on her music, her public endorsement adds a personal layer to Pratt's narrative, humanizing his bid amid policy discussions. The couple's story of resilience – from fire recovery to career revivals – could appeal to voters seeking authentic voices on urban challenges.
Looking ahead, Montag teased more music to come, while Pratt's campaign trail promises continued advocacy on fire recovery and systemic change. As Los Angeles navigates its post-disaster landscape, the Pratts' dual pursuits highlight how personal trials can propel public action. For now, Montag remains optimistic, balancing family, art, and support for her husband's vision for the city.
Their saga continues to unfold, with fans and observers watching closely. Whether Pratt's mayoral effort gains traction or remains a bold statement, it underscores the intersection of fame, fortune, and civic duty in modern Los Angeles.