Billionaire Rick Caruso Seriously Weighs High-Stakes Political Bids for LA Mayor or California Governor

Billionaire real estate magnate Rick Caruso is reportedly giving serious consideration to a return to the political arena, exploring potential runs for either the Los Angeles Mayoral office or the formidable challenge of the California Governorship. Sources close to Caruso indicate that these are not mere speculative musings but concrete evaluations of his viability and potential impact, setting the stage for significant shifts in the state's political landscape.

Caruso, a prominent figure known for developing iconic retail centers like The Grove and The Americana at Brand, has long harbored political ambitions.

His deep pockets and business acumen have made him a formidable, albeit controversial, force in California. His brand of centrist, business-friendly politics, often emphasizing public safety and economic growth, resonates with a segment of the electorate yearning for change.

This isn't Caruso's first foray into high-profile elections.

He previously mounted a high-spending campaign for Los Angeles Mayor in 2022, pouring tens of millions of his personal fortune into the race. Despite a strong showing and a compelling narrative, he ultimately lost to Karen Bass, highlighting the challenges even a well-funded outsider faces in the deeply entrenched political environment of California.

Now, with an eye towards future election cycles, potentially as early as 2026 or 2028, Caruso is reportedly assessing the current political climate and his potential paths to victory.

The decision to run for LA Mayor again would be a familiar battlefield, but with the lessons learned from his previous attempt. A bid for California Governor, however, would thrust him onto an even larger, more complex stage, challenging established state-wide figures and navigating the diverse political ideologies of a population of nearly 40 million.

Should he decide to run, Caruso's platform is expected to center on themes he championed previously: tackling the state's pervasive homelessness crisis, reducing crime rates, and fostering a more business-friendly environment to address economic challenges.

His background as a developer could position him as a problem-solver, but it also opens him up to scrutiny regarding urban development and corporate influence.

His potential candidacy would undeniably shake up California's political scene. For the Los Angeles mayoral race, it would introduce a well-known contender with significant resources.

For the gubernatorial race, Caruso would face a potentially crowded field of experienced Democrats, including established figures currently holding other statewide offices. His ability to connect with a broad coalition of voters across the state, beyond his traditional support base, would be paramount.

As Caruso continues his deliberations, the political world watches closely.

His eventual decision will not only define his own political future but could also reshape the competitive landscape for two of California's most powerful and influential offices, promising an exciting and potentially unpredictable election cycle ahead.