Hanson Warns of California’s ‘Medieval Society’ Amid L.A. Mayoral Race

Hoover Institution senior fellow Victor Davis Hanson warned that California has developed a “medieval pyramid” economic structure, with extreme wealth concentrated at the top and a growing subsidized population at the bottom, as the middle class continues to flee the state.

Speaking on the Los Angeles mayoral race, Hanson analyzed the challenges facing candidate Spencer Pratt, who has campaigned on bringing “common-sense” solutions to the city’s mounting crises. Hanson noted that Pratt faces an uphill battle in a city where only about 20% of residents identify as Republican, requiring him to win over Democrats, independents, and mothers concerned about community safety.

According to Hanson, Pratt’s central argument is that ideological constraints prevent incumbent leadership from implementing practical policies. He stated that Mayor Karen Bass’s approach, which he characterized as rooted in “overarching socialist radical ideology,” limits actions such as cooperating with immigration enforcement, arresting certain criminals, or addressing homelessness through traditional means. Pratt, by contrast, has pledged to prioritize public safety, water security, fire protection, and police resources to restore Los Angeles to its former vitality.

Hanson reflected on the city’s transformation, noting that downtown Los Angeles experienced a renaissance in the 1980s as a “vibrant, beautiful place,” but that decline followed rapidly. He attributed California’s broader challenges to what he called a “perfect storm” of three factors.

First, Hanson cited the departure of approximately 12 million residents over recent decades, with annual net losses of 300,000 to 500,000 people during the administrations of Pete Wilson, Ronald Reagan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Second, he pointed to demographic shifts, noting that roughly 30% of California’s population was not born in the United States and has not been consistently encouraged toward assimilation or civic integration, resulting in what he described as “salad bowl DEI tribalism.” Third, Hanson highlighted the concentration of $14 trillion in market capitalization within Silicon Valley, creating a coastal elite aligned with prominent Democratic figures including Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom, Barbara Boxer, and Willie Brown.

The result, Hanson argued, is a “medieval society” in which the wealthiest individuals in the United States sit atop a pyramid while 22% of California’s population lives below the poverty line, and the middle class has largely departed.

Regarding the mayoral race, Hanson observed that Pratt has surged from approximately 10% to over 20% in polling, while incumbent support has declined. However, he cautioned that social pressure may cause supporters to underreport their preferences to pollsters, potentially distorting pre-election data. He also raised concerns about election integrity, noting that in California politics, labor organizations such as the SEIU and the California Teachers Association have historically submitted large volumes of ballots after polls close.

On national political trends, Hanson commented that the Democratic Party, having lost ground in the Supreme Court, White House, House, and Senate, has become increasingly frustrated. He suggested this frustration manifests in policy proposals such as border policy changes, court expansion, Electoral College reform, and filibuster elimination. He further characterized the party’s foreign policy focus as predominantly centered on criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian causes.

Hanson also referenced broader concerns about government spending, citing remarks by Mehmet Oz regarding Medicare and Medicaid corruption, which Oz allegedly described as involving approximately $100 billion in improper expenditures in Los Angeles alone.

Despite the challenges, Hanson suggested Pratt’s campaign reflects a growing sentiment among residents—particularly parents and families—that current trajectories on issues like homelessness, public safety, and drug crises are unsustainable. “Something’s got to change,” Hanson summarized, noting that for many voters, the decision is less about technical policy debates and more about a fundamental desire for restoration and stability.