Rick Caruso, former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and billionaire developer, has declined to endorse either incumbent Mayor Karen Bass or challenger Nithya Raman in the upcoming November 3 runoff election. Despite his neutrality, Caruso voiced significant concern regarding Raman’s stated intention to remove Police Chief Jim McDonnell if elected.

Caruso, who lost to Bass in the 2022 mayoral race by nearly 10 percentage points after heavily investing in his campaign, appeared alongside Bass at an event on Tuesday at his Palisades Village shopping center. The event served to promote Power Ready LA, a new city initiative aimed at streamlining utility services provided by the Department of Water and Power for commercial and residential developments. Caruso praised Bass’s efforts in rebuilding efforts following the 2025 Palisades fire, highlighting her collaboration with city officials and communities affected by the disaster. “She’s done her work, and she’s worked with the team, and I compliment this,” Caruso said.

Caruso also underscored his discomfort with Raman’s plans for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Raman, a city councilwoman endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has advocated replacing McDonnell, alleging that the LAPD has cooperated with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during operations in Los Angeles. Caruso described such a move as cause for “extreme concern,” emphasizing the importance of police leadership stability. Raman’s campaign did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

The two candidates have offered contrasting visions for the future of public safety in Los Angeles. Raman’s position reflects growing calls among progressive activists and city officials for increased police oversight and reforms of federal-federal partnerships. Bass, supported by Caruso’s recent remarks, has maintained confidence in McDonnell’s leadership and LAPD’s current direction.

Caruso has previously refrained from endorsing either candidate, including at a groundbreaking event last month for the Palisades Recreation Center, where he described both Bass and Raman as “tough choices.” Bass, meanwhile, has not publicly indicated whether she would welcome an endorsement from Caruso, whose business developments, including the Grove, Americana at Brand, and Palisades Village, are well-known in the city.

The ongoing mayoral race centers on contrasting approaches to governance and public safety, with Caruso’s remarks signaling alignment with Bass’s policies while abstaining from direct political involvement this cycle. The runoff election on November 3 will determine who will lead Los Angeles through the coming years amid ongoing challenges such as community recovery, housing development, and policing debates.