Billionaire developer Rick Caruso will not run for L.A. mayor or California governor
This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Billionaire developer Rick Caruso will not run for Los Angeles mayor or California governor, after months of speculation that he would seek one of the two posts.Caruso announced his decision Friday, saying it came after “many heartfelt conversations” with his family.“Though my name will not be on a ballot, my work continues,” Caruso said on X.
“Public service does not require a title.It is, and always will be, my calling.”Caruso’s plans were the talk of political circles.
Recently, he seemed to confirm that he would launch a campaign.Asked by a reporter on Jan.
7 if it was possible he would not run for any office, Caruso responded: “That option is pretty much off the table now.”The mall magnate and one-time mayoral candidate said he was “deeply disappointed to step back from an election I believe is so critical to California’s future.” In his Friday post on X, Caruso said he will focus on his nonprofit, Steadfast LA, which brings industry leaders together to help with fire recovery.“I am immensely proud of what we are accomplishing through Steadfast LA, supporting victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, as well as through my company and family foundation’s efforts to strengthen communities in need,” Caruso wrote.
California The catastrophic Palisades fire has redefined the L.A.mayor’s race, creating a political minefield for incumbent Karen Bass as she seeks a second four-year term.The 66-year-old developer behind popular L.A.
malls like the Grove and the Americana at Brand spent $100 million of his own fortune to run for mayor against Karen Bass in 2022, outspending her 11 to 1 but losing by nearly 10 percentage points.Political consultant Mike Murphy, who was advising Caruso, said he was surprised by Caruso’s decision.“It wasn’t a winnability thing.It was a family, quality of life thing,” Murphy said.Murphy said that polling in bot...