Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who poured more than $100 million into a failed bid to defeat Karen Bass for Los Angeles mayor, isn’t shy about bashing the seasoned pol.
But the owner of upscale shopping centers fell short of supporting a recall effort against Bass, which has been fueled by discontent over her leadership surrounding the firestorm that burned 7,000 homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades, KTLA 5 and City News Service reported.
“A mayoral recall right now is not a good idea,” Caruso, who hasn’t ruled out mounting another challenge against Bass for mayor, posted on X. “This is a time when Los Angeles needs unity, not costly and expensive political distractions.
“We must rebuild our communities, get people back into their homes, and open businesses that have been closed or lost. That must be our total focus. There is a time and place for politics, but it is not now.”
Bass, under siege since the nearly 24,000-acre Palisades Fire, faces a recall campaign led by Los Angeles realtor Nicole Shanahan, former presidential running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A recall would require 330,000 ballot signatures in four months.
The recall effort gained steam among opponents who criticized the mayor for traveling to Ghana when the fire erupted on Jan. 7, despite advanced warnings from weather officials that severe winds would create extreme fire conditions.
Concerns mounted over L.A. fire hydrant issues, low water pressure in the Palisades and resources within the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Firefighting efforts were hampered when water supplies ran out as crews tried to save entire neighborhoods.
Some critics say Bass tried to shift blame for the response by firing former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.
Rumors have swirled since last year that Caruso could return to politics, with another bid for mayor or a candidacy for California governor when Newsom is termed out next year. Caruso also launched Steadfast LA, a private-sector recovery effort, sparking speculation about a possible second mayoral run. He has yet to make an official announcement.
Bass, who is up for reelection in 2026, has already launched her campaign. In an interview with KNX News, the mayor said she would fight any attempts to boot her from office.
“I would never quit on my city. This is where I was born and raised,” Bass told the radio station. “Did I know that it was a difficult job? Absolutely. Am I ready for the job? Most definitely.”
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