Caruso Won't Seek Rematch Against Bass Despite Major Shakeup In Mayoral Race

LOS ANGELES, CA — Despite the fact that a top challenger to Mayor Karen Bass dropped out of the race for the city's top office this week, billionaire developer Rick Caruso said he remains committed to staying out of any race for pubic office.

Former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner on Wednesday announced he was dropping out of the mayoral race following the death of his daughter. His announcement came on the heels of a bombshell story published by the Los Angeles Times saying Bass directed the watering-down of an after-action report on the Palisades Fire.

Those factors left political observers wondering whether Caruso — a Bass critic who lost to her in the 2022 election — would seek a rematch.

Last month Caruso had announced he would not run for mayor — or governor, for that matter — despite expressing that he was "deeply disappointed to step back from an election I believe is so critical to California's future."

He told KNX on Thursday he had "gotten a lot of calls" from people urging him to reconsider his decision in the wake of this week's news.

But later that day he put the question to rest.

"Rick is incredibly moved by outpouring of support but reached an earlier decision in a thoughtful process and it stands. He will not be a candidate for mayor," Mike Murphy, a political consultant for Caruso, told the Times.

The primary election is set for June. The general election is in November.

See also:

• Reality Star And Bass Critic Announces Bid For LA Mayor
• Top Challenger In LA Mayor's Race Drops Out After Daughter's Mysterious Death