Rick Caruso, the billionaire developer who previously ran against Karen Bass for mayor, has revealed he will vote for her as she seeks another term leading Los Angeles. On October 26, 2026, Caruso made it clear he would cast his ballot for Bass in the November 3 mayoral election, but clarified in interviews and through his spokesperson that this was not a formal endorsement. Caruso was Bass’s main opponent in the 2022 mayoral race, spending over $100 million of his own money on that campaign before losing to her, making it one of the most heavily self-funded campaigns in Los Angeles municipal history. His decision to support Bass marks a sharp reversal of the political alignment set in 2022 and follows several months of working with Bass on rebuilding efforts after the January 2025 Palisades fire, which hit the Pacific Palisades area where Caruso owns Palisades Village. Caruso told NBC Los Angeles, "I will be casting my ballot for Mayor Karen Bass," stressing that he wanted to state his preferred candidate without calling it an endorsement. NBC Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times
Caruso’s change in stance came after his direct experience working with Bass on wildfire recovery in Pacific Palisades. He described watching Bass "grow into this job" and credited her willingness to collaborate and her commitment to helping families and communities rebuild after the fires. The collaboration did not involve a formal recovery contract or government appointment, but Caruso’s public praise for Bass’s efforts was seen as a significant gesture, especially given his prior support among Pacific Palisades voters and his status as a major property owner in the city, including the Grove and the Americana at Brand.
Sharp criticism of challenger’s proposals
Caruso’s announcement included pointed criticism of Nithya Raman, who is challenging Bass in the 2026 election. Raman, a City Councilmember described in coverage as a Democratic socialist and backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has focused her campaign on issues such as homelessness and public safety. Caruso’s public criticism of Raman centered on her approach to the Los Angeles Police Department and the role of Police Chief Jim McDonnell. During an appearance with Bass at Palisades Village, Caruso called Raman’s position on McDonnell "foolhardy" and warned against what he described as "risky DSA social experimentation" in the department. He also questioned Raman’s record on homelessness policy, asking whether anyone considered it a success. According to Politico, Caruso said, "I think my actions yesterday showed that I think she’s been doing some good things, and I was more than happy to acknowledge that, and also acknowledge the fact that Nithya’s position on [LAPD chief] Jimmy McDonnell is just foolhardy." Politico California Playbook
The 2026 mayoral contest has focused heavily on wildfire recovery, homelessness, and public safety, with the political significance of Caruso’s move heightened by his prior consideration of another mayoral campaign, which he ultimately decided not to pursue. As of late October, Bloomberg reported that Raman was leading in the polls, though no specific polling figures were provided. Bloomberg
Support from other city leaders
Caruso’s announcement follows a similar move by Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district includes areas affected by recent wildfires. Park told residents she would vote for Bass despite reservations about the mayor’s leadership, expressing concern that Raman could reverse progress on public safety and disaster recovery. Park stated, "I hear you — I want some change too, but the alternative does not actually get us where we want to be. I think it actually impedes our progress and unfortunately will take us back to where we were."
As the election approaches, Bass faces a challenge from Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. The endorsements from Caruso and Park highlight divisions over public safety and homelessness policy as key issues in the race. Bass publicly welcomed Caruso’s support, stating she was honored to receive it and looked forward to working with him over the next four years to solve major problems in the city. The election is scheduled for November 3, with the race remaining highly competitive in its final days.
