Bass and Caruso Court Voters in Brentwood
Former rival Rick Caruso announced his support for Mayor Karen Bass days before the November 3 election, joining her in a key battleground neighborhood.
By Tyler Khalil ·
Karen Bass and Rick Caruso walked the streets of Brentwood together on Saturday, a public display of unity days before the November 3 midterm election. The meeting marks a shift in the race for mayor, where the two former opponents are now coordinating their final push for votes in a tight contest.
Caruso, a real estate developer who spent $100 million on his own mayoral bid four years ago, announced earlier this week that he would vote for Bass rather than her challenger, City Council member Nithya Raman. The endorsement follows a period of public tension in which Caruso criticized Bass’s administration. He stated that he had reviewed the records and made a clear decision to support Bass because he felt she had learned from past errors.
"I deeply feel, out of my love for Los Angeles, that I had to leave the past behind," Caruso said. "I believe these elections should not be a referendum on the past, but a look toward the future of Los Angeles. And I believe she is the best prepared to lead us into that future."
The political distance between the two candidates has narrowed considerably. Polls released recently show a statistical tie in the mayoral race, with each candidate holding 40 percent of the vote. An additional 19 percent of voters remain undecided. The close margin makes the support of high-profile figures and specific neighborhoods critical for either side to secure a majority.
Bass praised Caruso and his organization as key partners in the reconstruction of areas damaged by the wildfires in January of last year. Her campaign is focusing on these recovery efforts to demonstrate tangible results to voters. The collaboration in Brentwood, a district often cited as a swing area, aims to lock in support before the next round of voting.
Bass also campaigned in Boyle Heights on the same day. She was accompanied by State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and community leaders Laura Barrera and Kassandra Sanchez. During the visit, Bass toured local businesses and spoke with residents. She paused to buy lemons from a street vendor and bought coffee, engaging directly with the neighborhood’s daily life.
The next major milestone in the campaign is the general election on Tuesday, November 3. Both candidates are scheduling final events in key districts to capture the remaining undecided voters. The outcome will determine whether Bass completes a second term or if Raman takes over the office.
