Caruso backs Bass in LA mayoral race

Rick Caruso told ABC7 Political Reporter Josh Haskell in an exclusive interview that he is voting for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Caruso, who ran against Bass in 2022, made the announcement with eight days remaining in the election. He described the decision as the result of careful consideration over the weekend.

Caruso stated that he has reviewed the records of the candidates and made a clear choice. He said he felt the need to leave the past behind due to his love for Los Angeles. Caruso argued that the current election should focus on the future of the city rather than serving as a referendum on previous events.

The former mayoral candidate highlighted recent collaboration with Bass on rebuilding efforts in the Pacific Palisades. Bass helped expedite permitting and provided city resources to open Caruso's Palisades Village shopping mall in August. Caruso noted that he has asked for no personal help and focused on supporting devastated communities through public-private partnerships.

Caruso acknowledged that he has been critical of Bass' first term, citing rises in homelessness and the impact of the Palisades Fire. However, he said he has seen a change in her approach over the last year. He described Bass as open-minded and willing to work with his suggestions without being stubborn.

Caruso expressed specific concerns about Bass' opponent, City Councilmember Nithya Raman. He stated that Raman is not ready for the job and that her positions regarding LAPD Chief Jimmy McDonnell are reckless. Caruso, a former LAPD Police Commissioner and president of the commission, said McDonnell is one of the best chiefs of police in the country.

Caruso argued that Bass made the right choice in appointing McDonnell. He warned that Raman's plan to remove the chief would negatively impact LAPD morale and recruiting. He said such changes would make it more difficult to keep the city safe, especially with the Olympics approaching.

Bass responded to the support by saying she is honored to have Caruso's backing. She stated that she and Caruso have a long history of solving big problems and that she looks forward to working with him over the next four years. Caruso said he does not consider this a formal endorsement but wanted to be clear about his support. ABC7 reached out to both the Raman and Bass campaigns for further reaction.