Rick Caruso, who was the runner-up to Karen Bass within the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election, introduced Friday that he wouldn’t be looking for workplace within the new 12 months.
“Over the previous 12 months, I’ve mirrored on how we will make Los Angeles and California stronger. I’ve listened to folks throughout industries and communities, and it’s been an honor to listen to their hopes and aspirations,” the Caruso founder said on X. “I’m deeply grateful to the numerous individuals who inspired me to run, and who generously shared their time and power.”
“All through these conversations, two questions have guided my pondering: the place I could make the best influence, and the way a attainable marketing campaign for public workplace would have an effect on my household,” he continued. “After a lot reflection and plenty of heartfelt conversations with my household, I’ve determined to not pursue elected workplace at the moment. It’s a troublesome determination, and I’m deeply disillusioned to step again from an election I imagine is so vital to California’s future.”
The billionaire businessman’s determination comes forward of the 2026 mayoral election, the place the incumbent Bass will run for re-election. Bass defeated Caruso with roughly 510,000 to his roughly 420,000 (or, roughly 55% of the vote to his roughly 45%). Regardless of his loss, many speculated that he would make one other run for mayor — and even attempt his hand within the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Angelenos will likely be conversant in a number of of the tasks developed by Caruso by means of his firm (additionally named Caruso, previously Caruso Affiliated Holdings, LLC). These embody Americana at Model, The Commons at Calabasas, The Grove and Palisades Village. The previous chair of the College of Southern California Board of Trustees has held a number of public positions, together with commissioner for the Los Angeles Division of Water and Energy and president of the Los Angeles Police Fee.
“Although my title won’t be on a poll, my work continues. I’m immensely happy with what we’re engaging in by means of Steadfast LA supporting victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, in addition to by means of my firm and household basis’s efforts to strengthen communities in want,” Caruso continued on X. “These experiences replicate how I method each problem: by listening, collaborating and performing decisively to create lasting influence. I’ll carry that very same dedication to the work forward, constructing on the progress we’ve made collectively and tackling the challenges nonetheless earlier than us.”
“Public service doesn’t require a title. It’s, and can all the time be, my calling,” he concluded. “I stay dedicated to serving our communities in each means I can, simply from a special seat.”
