Eight days before the Los Angeles mayoral election, billionaire developer Rick Caruso announced his support for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Caruso, who lost to Bass in 2022, cited their collaborative work following the 2025 Palisades Fire as the primary catalyst for his decision.
The 2025 Palisades Fire and the Rebuilding Alliance
Rick Caruso's decision to endorse Karen Bass marks a significant pivot in Los Angeles politics. According to the report, Caruso's endorsement came via an Instagram post,where he emphasized the need to "put the past behind me" for the sake of the city. This shift appears rooted in the practicalities of disaster management following the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire.
The collaborative work between Caruso and Bass was largely shaped by the aftermath of the 2025 Palisades Fire in the coastal community. During a news conference in Pacific Palisades, Caruso praised the mayor for her role in expediting rebuilding efforts. The report notes that while the two have had significant disagreements in the past,their recent cooperation on wildfire recovery has provided a new foundation for their relationship.
Caruso’s Warning Against "DSA Social Experimentation"
Caruso’s endorsement of Bass was accompanied by a sharp critique of challenger Nithya Raman’s approach to public safety. He specifically targeted Raman's pledge to replace LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, labeling the move as a potential "laboratory for risky DSA social experimentation."
Nithya Raman's platform, which includes significant changes to the Los Angeles Police Department, has become a central point of contention.. Raman has the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Caruso used his announcement to question the success of Raman's management of the city's homelessness policy, asking if anyone truly considers it a success.
A Shift from the 2022 Mayoral Race
The current endorsement represents a major departure from the 2022 mayoral race where Caruso lost to Bass. Although Caruso had announced in January that he was officially out of the running for both the Los Angeles mayoralty and the California governorship,his influence remains a potent force in local elections.
Caruso's support is particularly notable given his strong standing with voters in areas like Pacific Palisades. By backing Bass, he is effectively attempting to bridge the gap between his previous political identity and the current needs of the city's rebuilding efforts.
Can Bass overcome the skepticism of Councilmember Park?
The political landscape in Los Angeles is also being shaped by cautious endorsements from local officials like Councilmember Park. While Park has indicated she will vote for Bass, she did so with explicit reservations about the mayor's leadership, warning that Raman's victory could "impede progress" and reverse gains in public safety.
Despite the momentum provided by Caruso, several critical questions remain for the Los Angeles electorate. It remains to be seen how voters will weigh Bass's leadership against criticisms regarding her absence when the Palisades Fire first began. Additionally, it is unclear if Raman's supporters will view Caruso's endorsement as a legitimate critique of her policy or simply a political maneuver by a former rival.
Comments 0