In a move that has surprised local political circles, billionaire developer Rick Caruso has announced he will not be running for either Los Angeles mayor or California governor. Caruso, who came in second to Karen Bass in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race, made his announcement on social media, stating, "After much reflection and many heartfelt conversations with my family, I have decided not to pursue elected office at this time," according to a post on ABC7. Despite the encouragement from multiple quarters and the pressing need he perceives in the upcoming election, he opts to make an impact away from the political spotlight.
Caruso, at age 67, has been vocal about the issues in his city, especially in criticism of Mayor Bass's handling of the Palisades Fire. Speculations of a potential gubernatorial bid also circulated as Gov. Gavin Newsom approaches his term limit, but his decision not seek office has quelled the rumors. Rick Caruso expressed gratitude to his supporters in his statement, sharing that he remains "devoted to serving our communities in every way I can, just from a different seat," as KTLA reported. His decisions are guided, he says, by the twin beacons of his possible impact and the well-being of his family.
Amid the political reshuffling, other potential candidates are emerging in the race for the governor's mansion. Notably, former Rep. Katie Porter and former Fox News host Steve Hilton have garnered attention, with Porter leading early polling as indicated by the Bloomberg fall interview, where Caruso initially hinted at his considerations for a rematch with Bass. In terms of public service, Caruso pledges to maintain his commitment through initiatives like his nonprofit Steadfast LA, which has been instrumental in supporting communities affected by the wildfires, as noted in his post on social media.
Caruso's decision has indeed caught analysts off guard, as Zev Yaroslavsky, a political expert at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, described the move as "surprising" in a statement to CBS News Los Angeles. Yaroslavsky mulled over the possibility that Caruso may have recognized the challenges incumbent in winning a contested race either on the city level or statewide. Meanwhile, Caruso has remained busy on the homefront, overseeing the rebuilding process of the Palisades Recreation Center and preparing for the 2026 reopening of his shopping center, Palisades Village.
In conclusion, Caruso's statement encapsulates his standpoint on public engagement: "Public service does not require a title. It is, and will always be, my calling." This sentiment, emblematic of his future direction, points to a continued presence in the civic sphere, albeit not from an elected office. The billionaire's next moves will likely be monitored by both his supporters and critics as he shapes his role in the fabric of Los Angeles and California politics from beyond the ballot box.
