Los Angeles Mayor winner?
$83.0M
JUN 14, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleBusinessman
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age66 years old (Apr 8, 1960)
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
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BackgroundBusinessman
EducationDartmouth College (BA, economics)
Notable personal detailsAustin Michael Beutner is an American businessman and civic leader who served as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District from 2018 to 2021 and previously served as first deputy mayor of Los Angeles from 2010 to 2013 under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. He has worked in finance and media leadership, including serving as publisher and CEO of the Los Angeles Times, and has been active in education-focused philanthropy.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports business-friendly tax changes including advocating elimination or reduction of the city business (gross receipts) tax and streamlining taxes and regulations for businesses; has opposed broad sales tax increases historically but has expressed support for the concept of a targeted half-cent sales tax to fund firefighters.
Immigration & Border
Supports protections for immigrant parents and children and criticizes aggressive federal immigration enforcement; emphasizes defending immigrants and the city’s diverse communities while opposing targeting based on race. Positions favor humanitarian protections alongside acceptance of some enforcement context rather than calling for maximal restrictionist measures.
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Climate & Energy
Supports integrating renewable energy into Los Angeles’ power supply and endorses regulatory efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; backs city initiatives to prepare for electric vehicle adoption and reduce reliance on imported water while modernizing utility infrastructure. Positions emphasize clean-energy integration and emissions reduction within a pragmatic, infrastructure-focused approach.
News
Austin Beutner is in the news as a candidate in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race, which is shaping up to be highly competitive. Recent coverage says the crowded field could split the Democratic vote and even open the door for two Republicans to advance to the general election. A planned debate was also canceled after criticism over exclusion criteria, adding to the scrutiny around the race.
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New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising