Rick Caruso Declines to Support Recall Effort Against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Sparking Debate

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has publicly stated his opposition to the burgeoning recall effort targeting current Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, marking a significant development in the unfolding political drama surrounding Bass’s leadership. Caruso, a real estate mogul who unsuccessfully challenged Bass in the 2022 mayoral race, cited the need for unity and fiscal responsibility in his reasoning, arguing that a recall election would be a costly and divisive distraction for the city.

Caruso conveyed his position via a post on X, formerly Twitter, asserting that "a mayoral recall right now is not a good idea." He emphasized the pressing need for Los Angeles to focus on rebuilding communities, addressing homelessness, and revitalizing the business sector, arguing that these priorities should take precedence over political maneuvering. "This is a time when Los Angeles needs unity, not costly and expensive political distractions," he wrote. "We must rebuild our communities, get people back into their homes, and open businesses that have been closed or lost. That must be our total focus. There is a time and place for politics, but it is not now."

The recall effort against Mayor Bass gained momentum following widespread criticism of her handling of the recent fires that devastated numerous homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades. Ironically, Caruso himself was among those who initially voiced concerns regarding Bass’s response to the disaster. The timing of the fires, coinciding with Bass’s trip to Ghana despite prior weather warnings, further fueled the controversy. While Bass has expressed remorse for her absence, she has resisted calls for her resignation.

Adding another layer to the complex situation, Bass recently terminated the city’s fire chief, Kristin Crowley, a decision that Crowley subsequently appealed without success. These events have contributed to a growing sense of unease and dissatisfaction among some segments of the Los Angeles population.

Caruso’s decision to distance himself from the recall effort has drawn sharp reactions, particularly from those actively involved in the campaign. Nicole Shanahan, a prominent supporter of the recall and former vice presidential pick for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., directly challenged Caruso’s stance on X. "Don’t people deserve accountability?!" Shanahan questioned, arguing that the recall effort is not about political division but rather a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction with the mayor’s performance. "I don’t see this as political division… I see this as LA being the most united I’ve ever seen it around the real cost of mismanagement. The recall team is [100%] bi-partisan. People want competency in their leadership," she stated.

Caruso responded to Shanahan’s criticism by acknowledging the desire for competent leadership but reiterating his concerns about the practical implications of a recall election. He pointed out that a recall election would likely coincide with the upcoming June primary, incurring significant costs for the city at a time when resources are already strained. "But a recall election doesn’t happen overnight. It would run into June’s primary and cost the city millions we dont have. Lets be smart about how we move the city forward," he countered.

The disagreement between Caruso and Shanahan has ignited a broader debate about the merits and potential consequences of recalling Mayor Bass. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for opposing viewpoints, with users expressing a range of opinions on the matter.

Dave Harvilicz, co-founder of Tranquility AI, questioned Caruso’s cost-benefit analysis, suggesting that "recalling her forthwith will likely be cheaper than keeping her in place." He alluded to the significant financial losses associated with the recent fires, implying that Bass’s alleged mismanagement has already resulted in substantial economic damage. Harvilicz also challenged Caruso’s right to make decisions on behalf of the voters, asking, "Shouldn’t this be up to the voters and not you anyway, Rick?"

Biotech entrepreneur Houman David Hemmati echoed the sentiment that Bass’s leadership poses a risk to the city, stating, "[Karen Bass] poses a clear and present danger to LA. She must go immediately. If you don’t want a recall, persuade her to resign. No other options. Sorry."

However, some observers have rallied to Caruso’s defense, arguing that a recall election is unlikely to succeed and would only further exacerbate the city’s existing problems. Elizabeth Barcohana, a member of the Los Angeles County GOP Central Committee, tweeted that Caruso’s decision not to support the recall is "precisely BECAUSE it is the best interest of LA not to waste everyone’s time and energy on recall that is destined to fail and further demoralize voters at the worst possible time."

The mechanics of initiating a recall election in Los Angeles require a petition signed by at least 15% of the city’s registered voters. Doug Herman, a strategist for Mayor Bass, has dismissed the recall effort as a "right-wing political stunt designed to divide Los Angeles when we need to move forward."

The question of whether Caruso intends to challenge Bass again in the 2026 mayoral election remains unanswered. His decision not to endorse the current recall effort could be interpreted in various ways, ranging from a genuine desire to prioritize the city’s immediate needs to a strategic calculation aimed at preserving his political options for the future.

The debate surrounding the recall effort highlights the deep divisions within Los Angeles regarding the city’s direction and leadership. The outcome of this political struggle will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of Los Angeles and its residents. The recall proponents must gather a significant number of signatures to even get on the ballot, a herculean task in a city as large and diverse as Los Angeles. Whether they can overcome this obstacle and ultimately convince the voters to remove Mayor Bass from office remains to be seen.