Reality television personality Spencer Pratt has become an unlikely figure in a contentious Democratic primary for a California State Senate seat, with one candidate accusing his opponent of using a fake social media account to associate Pratt with his campaign. The controversy involves West Hollywood Councilmember John Erickson, a candidate for the 24th State Senate District, and his rival Brian Goldsmith.
Zennon Ulyate-Crow, a Gen Z Democrat who finished last in the June primary and subsequently endorsed Goldsmith, claims he discovered the alleged scheme. Ulyate-Crow stated that a since-deleted Instagram account, named "Pratt Voters 4 Goldsmith," began posting provocative comments on his endorsement of Goldsmith. He reported that by using Instagram's feature to block Erickson's verified account, along with any associated accounts, the "Pratt Voters 4 Goldsmith" account was also blocked. When Erickson's account was unblocked, the "Pratt Voters 4 Goldsmith" account reappeared. Ulyate-Crow documented this process in an Instagram post that gained significant traction.
The "Pratt Voters 4 Goldsmith" account described itself as a "coalition of Pratt supporters" backing Goldsmith and included references to billionaire developer Rick Caruso. However, its posts also contained inflammatory messages, including one declaring, "Everyone who opposes Goldsmith is antisemitic!" and another stating, "There is no genocide in Gaza." Ulyate-Crow asserted that these messages were designed to provoke angry and antisemitic responses and to smear Goldsmith, particularly by exploiting his Jewish identity.
Erickson has vehemently denied any involvement with the account. In a statement, he challenged Ulyate-Crow to produce evidence beyond the Instagram blocking test, calling such claims irresponsible without proper backing. Erickson also questioned Ulyate-Crow's motives, noting that the former candidate had recently endorsed Goldsmith.
Goldsmith's campaign issued a statement condemning the use of the anonymous account, calling it "pathetic" for exploiting his Jewish identity to "rage-bait voters and create more hate and division." The campaign emphasized that antisemitism has no place in politics and that Goldsmith is gaining momentum due to his focus on delivering results.
This incident is not the first time Erickson has faced accusations of employing questionable political tactics. Earlier this year, Tod Hallman, a West Hollywood Public Safety Commissioner appointed by Erickson, accused the councilman of threatening his position during a disagreement over political endorsements. Erickson denied these accusations, stating that Hallman remains a commissioner. He reiterated his stance that making accusations without evidence is irresponsible.
The race to succeed termed-out Democratic Sen. Ben Allen in the 24th Senate District has become increasingly acrimonious. Erickson has secured endorsements from various elected officials and labor organizations, including Rep. Robert Garcia and SEIU California. Goldsmith boasts support from prominent figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, and Pete Buttigieg, as well as Ulyate-Crow.