"Billionaire real estate mogul Rick Caruso announced Friday, Jan. 16, that he will not run for office this year, putting to rest months of speculation that he would seek to become either the next mayor of Los Angeles or governor of California. In announcing his decision, Caruso said two questions guided his thinking where he could make the most impact and how running would affect his family. After much reflection and many heartfelt conversations with my family, I have decided not to pursue elected office at this time, he said in a statement."
"Caruso ran for mayor of Los Angeles four years ago but lost to then-Rep. Karen Bass after spending more than $100 million most of it self-funded on his campaign. Following last January's devastating Southern California wildfires, Caruso who owns the Palisades Village shopping center, which remains temporarily closed launched Steadfast LA, a nonprofit focused on helping communities impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires recover. He became a vocal critic of Bass' leadership during and after the fires, and many speculated about a 2026 rematch between the two, with Bass up for reelection."
"But with Gov. Gavin Nesom termed out of office after this year, many also wondered if perhaps Caruso might seek state office instead. Less than five months before the June 2 primary, the race to replace Newsom continues without a clear frontrunner. Some of the better known Democratic candidates for governor include former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Assemblymember Ian Calderon, former Rep. Katie Porter, environmentalist Tom Steyer, Rep. Eric Swalwell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former state Controller Betty Yee."
Rick Caruso announced he will not run for office this year, ending speculation about bids for Los Angeles mayor or California governor. He said two questions guided his choice: where he could make the most impact and how running would affect his family. After reflection and conversations with family, he decided not to pursue elected office and expressed disappointment. Caruso previously ran for Los Angeles mayor, spending more than $100 million and losing to Karen Bass. He launched Steadfast LA after January wildfires and criticized Bass' response, prompting rematch and gubernatorial speculation. The June 2 primary field lacks a clear frontrunner.
Read at www.dailynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]