Billionaire developer Rick Caruso will not run for L.A. mayor or California governor

[quaint]

LATimes

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso will not run for Los Angeles mayor or California governor, after months of speculation that he would seek one of the two posts.

Caruso announced his decision Friday, saying it came after “many heartfelt conversations” with his family.

“Though my name will not be on a ballot, my work continues,” Caruso said on X. “Public service does not require a title. It is, and always will be, my calling.”

Caruso’s plans were the talk of political circles. Recently, he seemed to confirm that he would launch a campaign.

One down.

[dutch777]

1. Can't see him winning but his $$$ can still do damage whether he runs or not.

[quaint]

2. What damage do you anticipate?

He is a philanthropist. He has been a Democrat for a few years.

[Buddyzbuddy]

3. There is more power as a king maker than a king.

Caruso does what billionaires do, accumulate more wealth. It's very difficult to be elected to anything in this town as a Republican, especially at this time. He became a Democrat when he ran for Los Angeles Mayor and has not changed his affiliation since. He has name recognition because of his mall developing endeavors.
Most recently his mall that was in various stages of development was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire.

I don't trust him for no other reasons than he's a billionaire and seemingly changed party affiliation when it was convenient which would make him an opportunist and possibly over ambitious, as I imagine most billionaires. I'm sure there are others but the only truly philanthropic billionaire I can name is Mackenzie Scott. Sure you have those that give to endowments or build hospital wings or university buildings but usually for selfish reasons but that isn't Ms. Scott whom I truly respect.

I think his plan was Mayor then Governor then maybe the Whitehouse but 2 things happened, Karen Bass and the Felon. He's not progressive enough for L.A. and Republican is a really bad word, especially now. Maybe he'll try to Bloomberg his way in in 2028?

[quaint]

4. Thank you! Ms. Scott is a hero.

[IcyPeas]

6. I agree with you.... except

One thing

Caruso's mall in the Palisades was saved because Caruso hired private firefighters and he also bought tanker trucks of water. (Must be nice to be a billionaire.)

I remember the debates about fairness/ethics of this. Also about class. Rich people can now buy their own firefighters to save their own houses.

I don't trust him either.

There were other things. Elon musk endorsed him against Karen Bass in '22. He's flip flopped on abortion. Financial support to republicans Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy .

BUT. He is against ICE. And if he wants to be a Democrat he should denounce trump loudly. Pay for some TV ads with all those billion$.

[Buddyzbuddy]

7. You're right about the private firefighters, I forgot about that.

Although I don't think they were 100% successful, I may be wrong. I'm pretty sure he's buying up land on the cheap to expand in an area that will surely be rebuilt.
Thank you, IcyPeas, for the additional info.

[msongs]

5. one billionaire out, one to go nt