Rick Caruso shut down months of speculation that he\u2019d jump back into the ring after his razor-thin loss in 2022.<\/b>
\nRick Caruso announced he will not run for governor or Los Angeles mayor this year, shutting down months of speculation that he\u2019d jump back into the ring after his razor-thin loss in 2022.
A person close Caruso told The Post he wants to focus on his family and believes, \u201cthis is an extremely toxic time in politics.\u201d
The 67-year-old real estate titan confirmed the decision in a social media statement, saying he\u2019s spent the past year listening to Angelenos and Californians \u2014 and weighing the cost of another campaign.
\u201cOver the past year, I have reflected on how we can make Los Angeles and California stronger,\u201d Caruso wrote. \u201cI\u2019ve listened to people across industries and communities, and it\u2019s been an honor to hear their hopes and aspirations.\u201d
He said two questions ultimately guided his decision: where he could make the greatest impact \u2014 and what another run would mean for his family.
\u201cAfter much reflection and many heartfelt conversations with my family, I have decided not to pursue elected office at this time,\u201d Caruso wrote. \u201cIt is a difficult decision, and I am deeply disappointed to step back from an election I believe is so critical to California\u2019s future.\u201d
Reaction on social media was swift \u2014 and emotional.
\u201cThis is devastating,\u201d one supporter wrote. \u201cOne man with 360-degree knowledge to turn Los Angeles around isn\u2019t running. This city is doomed.\u201d
Caruso had been widely floated as a potential successor to Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose term is ending, and as a possible rematch challenger to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass \u2014 whom he has sharply criticized, particularly over her handling of last January\u2019s devastating Palisades Fire that destroyed thousands of homes in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, where Caruso owns property.
As recently as last fall, Caruso told Bloomberg he was seriously considering another run.
Now he\u2019s out \u2014 a decision that immediately reshapes an already crowded and volatile governor\u2019s race. Democrats Katie Porter and Eric Swalwell are jockeying for position, while Republican Steve Hilton is leading GOP polling.
\u201cThe most important thing right now is that we kick out the utterly useless Karen Bass so we can straighten out Los Angeles, rebuild the Palisades and Altadena, and get ready to be a shining showcase for the World Cup and the Olympics,\u201d Hilton said to The Post on Friday.
\u201cAs for the governor\u2019s race, I am the candidate leading on every measure,\u201d he added. \u201cCalifornians are sick of this corrupt, failed Democratic machine. Rick Caruso was considering running as a Democrat, and my view has always been clear \u2014 it\u2019s time for change.\u201d
Caruso, for his part, insisted he\u2019s not walking away from public service \u2014 just the ballot.
\u201cThough my name will not be on a ballot, my work continues,\u201d he wrote. \u201cI 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\u2019s efforts to strengthen communities in need.\u201d
\u201cThese experiences reflect how I approach every challenge: by listening, collaborating, and acting decisively to create lasting impact,\u201d he added. \u201cI will carry that same commitment to the work ahead.\u201d
He closed with a line aimed directly at supporters urging him to run again.
\u201cPublic service does not require a title,\u201d Caruso wrote. \u201cIt is, and will always be, my calling. I remain devoted to serving our communities in every way I can \u2014 just from a different seat.\u201d<\/p>\n