Top 6 Reasons Rick Caruso Is More Likely to Run for L.A. Mayor Than California Governor

The wildfire response that reignited talk of a statewide run may also explain why his political future still points back to City Hall.

Our afternoon columns are written first for our paid subscribers. Portions of this piece are available to all readers, but full access is reserved for those who choose to support our work.

⏱️ 5-minute read

Why the Governor Talk Misses What Caruso Is Actually Doing

Since last year’s devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, Rick Caruso has become a central figure in Los Angeles’ recovery debate. That visibility has naturally led some to wonder whether the billionaire developer is positioning himself for a run for California governor.

But when you look closely at where Caruso has actually focused his time, energy, and public attention — and just as importantly, where he has not — a different conclusion emerges. The evidence points away from Sacramento and back toward Los Angeles City Hall.

Here are six reasons why.

1. His animating cause is Los Angeles–specific, not statewide

Since the fires, Caruso’s public commentary has zeroed in on what went wrong in Los Angeles: water access, brush clearance, emergency readiness, permitting delays, and rebuilding failures. This has not been a sweeping critique of California’s wildfire policy. It has been a sustained indictment of local decision-making, aimed squarely at city leadership.

In other words, he is defining the problem — and the solution — as local.

2. He built a recovery organization that functions like a shadow City Hall

Steadfast LA is not a policy nonprofit or an advocacy platform. It is an execution-driven recovery operation focused on debris removal, permitting, interim housing, and rebuilding speed — all functions that sit firmly in the mayor’s lane.

Governors campaign on vision. Mayors are judged on whether things actually get done. By choosing to lead a hands-on recovery effort rather than build a policy brand, Caruso has placed himself squarely in the role of a city executive.

---

The rest of this analysis is for paid subscribers.

Upgrade now to access this piece in full — and nearly 40% more original reporting and analysis each week - and support our work here.

What paid subscribers will see below:

• Why Caruso’s media presence tells a local story, not a statewide one

• How the Bass rematch dynamic continues to define his political narrative

• Why timing and credibility matter more than speculation

• How campaign muscle memory tilts toward another mayoral run

• Why Beutner’s entrance complicates the donor and outsider lane