Rick Caruso Opposes Recall of LA Mayor Karen Bass Citing Need for Unity

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has publicly declared his opposition to the recall movement targeting Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, who was his rival in the last election.

In a recent post on X, Caruso emphasized the need for cohesion in Los Angeles during a tumultuous period. He stated, “A mayoral recall right now is not a good idea. This is a time when Los Angeles needs unity, not costly and expensive political distractions.” Caruso further urged city leaders to prioritize rebuilding communities, assisting displaced individuals, and revitalizing closed businesses rather than engaging in divisive politics.

Background on the Recall Effort

The push to remove Mayor Bass from office gained momentum following criticism of her handling of devastating fires that had destroyed numerous homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades area. Notably, even Caruso, who identifies as a Democrat, expressed dissatisfaction with her response.

Bass faced significant backlash while she was abroad in Ghana during the crisis, despite having received prior weather warnings. Although she expressed regret for her absence, she remains steadfast in her position and has not resigned. Additionally, she has recently dismissed the city’s fire chief, Kristin Crowley, which has added complexity to her administration’s challenges.

Caruso’s Political Position

Rick Caruso, a prominent real estate developer who campaigned against Bass in 2022, has not indicated whether he will challenge her again in 2026.

His decision to oppose the recall garnered attention from Nicole Shanahan, a key supporter of the recall effort and former vice-presidential pick for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Shanahan questioned Caruso’s stance by asking whether citizens do not deserve accountability for leadership failures.

A Call for Competency and Reform

In response to Shanahan, Caruso stated, “People want competency in their leadership.” He cautioned that embarking on a recall election would be an arduous process, likely overlapping with the upcoming primaries and costing the city millions of dollars that could be better spent. He urged for a more strategic approach to advance the city’s interests effectively.

Divided Opinions on the Recall

The discourse surrounding the recall has yielded mixed opinions among constituents. Some voiced skepticism about Caruso’s logic.

One critic, Dave Harvilicz, co-founder of Tranquility AI, challenged Caruso’s stance, arguing that maintaining Bass in office may ultimately incur greater costs for residents affected by the recent wildfire disaster. He contended that the decision to recall should be left to voters.

Meanwhile, biotech entrepreneur Houman David Hemmati asserted that Bass represents a significant risk to the city and should be removed without delay. He urged Caruso to persuade Bass to resign if he was against the recall.

Support for Caruso’s Position

Despite the pushback, there are those who concur with Caruso’s perspective. Elizabeth Barcohana, a member of the Los Angeles County GOP Central Committee, tweeted that Caruso’s refusal to support the recall is prudent given the potential futility of the effort, which could further disillusion voters at this critical time.

In order to initiate a recall election, advocates will need to gather signatures from 15 percent of registered voters in Los Angeles. This requirement adds to the complexity of the recall process.

Political Stance of Bass Supporters

Doug Herman, a strategist for Bass, described the recall effort as a politically motivated maneuver designed to sow division in Los Angeles. He remarked in a statement, “This recall is nothing more than another extreme right-wing political stunt designed to divide Los Angeles when we need to move forward.” His comments reflect a common sentiment among Bass supporters that the recall is unjustified.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing debate surrounding Mayor Bass and the potential recall reflects deeper societal divisions within Los Angeles. As various factions weigh in on the effectiveness of her leadership, it is clear that the city is at a crossroads.

The situation calls for urgent attention to the pressing issues facing Angelenos, such as homelessness, public safety, and economic recovery. As the political landscape continues to evolve, both supporters and opponents of the mayor will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold in the coming months.