Caruso Backs Bass Over Raman in Los Angeles

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso says he will vote to reelect Mayor Karen Bass over councilwoman Nithya Raman.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Remote Work

Caruso Backs Bass Over Raman in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles real estate developer Rick Caruso announced earlier this week that he will vote to reelect Mayor Karen Bass rather than back city councilwoman Nithya Raman. Caruso ran against Bass for mayor four years ago.

Why it matters

Caruso's endorsement signals that a prominent figure who challenged Bass in the last mayoral race now sees her as the stronger option for Los Angeles. His decision reflects a judgment that Raman lacks the leadership experience to run the city, though he said he agrees with some of her positions.

The only concrete reference is Caruso's prior mayoral run against Bass four years ago, which provides the baseline for his current position. No vote counts, polling figures, or spending totals were provided, so the strength of his endorsement cannot yet be measured.

The players

Rick Caruso

Caruso is a Los Angeles real estate developer and billionaire businessman who ran for mayor against Karen Bass four years ago.

Karen Bass

Bass is the Mayor of Los Angeles, whose reelection Caruso has endorsed.

Nithya Raman

Raman is a Los Angeles city councilwoman who is challenging Bass in the mayoral race and has pledged to fire LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on her first day in office.

The details

Caruso said Raman is not ready to lead the city, while acknowledging agreement with some of her policy positions. Raman has stated she would fire LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on her first day in office if elected.

Four years ago: Caruso ran against Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor.
Earlier this week: Caruso announced he will vote to reelect Bass.

Big Picture

Caruso's shift from challenging Bass in 2022 to endorsing her reelection marks a notable reversal for a candidate who once competed directly for the same office. It places the Raman race within a Los Angeles political landscape where a former rival now backs the incumbent.

For Los Angeles voters, the endorsement may influence how they weigh a former mayoral challenger's view of the incumbent against the alternative candidate's platform. The outcome of this race will shape city leadership decisions on public safety and police oversight.

The takeaway

Voters weighing mayoral candidates can compare leadership experience and specific policy commitments, such as the stated plan on the LAPD chief, before deciding.