The recent updates in the Los Angeles mayoral primary have sparked a debate over California’s vote-counting procedures, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump. Republican candidate Spencer Pratt, who was initially in a position to advance to the runoff, slipped to third place following late-night ballot updates. This shift allowed progressive Democratic City Council member Nithya Raman to move into the second spot, trailing behind incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, who leads with 34.7% of the vote. Raman holds 27.1%, just 3,113 votes ahead of Pratt’s 26.7%.

California’s top-two primary system permits only the top two candidates to proceed to the general election in November, effectively excluding Pratt from the race. Decision Desk HQ’s projection confirmed Raman’s lead, prompting Trump to express his discontent on Truth Social, stating, “No way this could have happened. Rigged Election!”

Trump had previously criticized the state’s handling of the election process, alleging that Republican candidates were being cheated. “Has anybody been watching the CROOKED Election going on in California,” Trump posted. “Two great Republican Candidates are being cheated, and so is America, which if the Dumocrats are able to fulfill their mission, great trouble and consternation will follow. Watch this ‘Election’ closely!!! President DJT”

In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office countered the president’s statements. The issue further escalated during a pre-recorded interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, where host Kristen Welker questioned Trump about his criticisms of California’s voting process. Trump accused the network of bias, calling it “crooked,” and eventually ended the interview prematurely, stating, “You’re a one-sided crooked network. Sorry. Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.”

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.