Rick Caruso endorses Karen Bass, condemns Nithya Raman's police reform plan

In a Monday Instagram post, developer Rick Caruso said he will cast his ballot for Mayor Karen Bass, citing their joint efforts after recent wildfires and noting her growth in office. He attacked challenger Nithya Raman, calling her plan to replace LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell and turn the department into a "laboratory for risky DSA social experimentation" reckless. Caruso also raised doubts about Raman's tenure overseeing the city’s homeless policy, asking if it had been successful.

The endorsement arrives days before the Nov. 3 election and mirrors a recent backing of Bass by Councilwoman Traci Park, who warned that Raman could reverse progress on public safety and recovery. Raman is supported by the Democratic Socialists of America and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.