Billionaire developer Rick Caruso is endorsing his former political opponent, Mayor Karen Bass, eight days before Election Day while sharply criticizing challenger Nithya Raman’s proposals for the Los Angeles Police Department as “reckless and dangerous.”
Caruso revealed his decision Monday in an Instagram post, saying he plans to vote for Bass after working with the mayor on recovery efforts following Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires.
“For the love of LA, I must put the past behind me,” Caruso wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
“Mayor Bass and I have certainly had our disagreements, and we have not always seen eye to eye on the challenges facing our city,” he said.
Still, Caruso said Bass had learned from her mistakes and matured in the role during the months they spent working together on rebuilding efforts.
“I have seen firsthand her dedication, her willingness to work together, and her commitment to helping families and communities rebuild their lives,” he wrote.
Alongside his endorsement, Caruso delivered a forceful critique of Raman, focusing in particular on her pledge to replace LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
“This is no time to turn the LAPD into a laboratory for risky DSA social experimentation,” Caruso warned.
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He also challenged Raman’s record on homelessness policy during her time overseeing the issue at City Hall.
“She’s led the city’s homeless policy. Does anybody think that is a success?” Caruso asked.
Caruso’s endorsement came after days of speculation. He appeared with Bass at a Pacific Palisades rebuilding event last week but did not disclose which candidate he would support.
His announcement follows a similar endorsement from Councilwoman Traci Park, whose district encompasses the Palisades fire zone.
Park told constituents last week that she would vote for Bass despite having concerns about the mayor’s leadership. She cautioned that Raman could undo progress on public safety and wildfire recovery.
“I hear you—I want some change too, but the alternative does not actually get us where we want to be,” Park told residents. “I think it actually impedes our progress, and unfortunately will take us back to where we were.”
The endorsements come as Bass seeks a second term against Raman, who has won the support of the Democratic Socialists of America and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
The election is Nov. 3.
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