Rick Caruso votes for Karen Bass in Los Angeles mayoral race

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso announced on October 26 that he will vote for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the upcoming November 3 election. The New York Post reported that Caruso endorsed Bass on Instagram and described challenger Nithya Raman's plans for the Los Angeles Police Department as reckless and dangerous. However, NBC Los Angeles reported that Caruso stopped short of a formal endorsement while confirming his vote. [1][4]

Caruso stated on Instagram that he must put the past behind him for the love of the city, according to the New York Post. He acknowledged having past disagreements with Mayor Bass but noted that they worked together on recovery efforts after devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. ABC7 Los Angeles and AOL.com also reported that Caruso, a former political rival to Bass, announced he is casting his ballot for her reelection. [1][3][5]

The announcement comes as challenger Nithya Raman faces scrutiny over her political stances. Fox News reported that Raman, a city councilwoman and Democratic Socialists of America member, described herself as both a capitalist and a democratic socialist during a interview on Friday. Fox News added that the DSA is considering challenging her endorsement from the organization shortly before the vote. [2]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Raman has served on the Los Angeles City Council representing the 4th district since 2020. During a debate earlier in October, Raman declined to give a specific date for replacing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell if elected. [6][7]