University of California Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies
5%4%3%2%1%0%
California Governor winner? (Person)
$49.2M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleReal estate developer
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Jan 7, 1959)
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
Show moreShow less
BackgroundReal estate developer
EducationUniversity of Southern California (bachelor's degree, 1980)
Notable personal detailsRick Joseph Caruso is an American real estate developer and executive who founded and leads Caruso, a privately held real estate company known for retail and mixed-use destinations in Southern California. He previously practiced as a real estate lawyer before transitioning into development and establishing Caruso in 1987. He ran for Mayor of Los Angeles in 2022. He and his wife Tina have four children.
SourcesShowHide
cityclerk.lacity.orgen.wikipedia.orgcaruso.comwikidata.orgrickcaruso.netrickcarusola.comes.wikipedia.orgthepollingplace.orggrabien.comlatimes.compredictionedge.comcdn.ballotpedia.orgs3.amazonaws.comgreifco.comarxiv.orgtherealdeal.combreitbart.comcbsnews.comourlafamilies.comtradersunion.com19thnews.orgtheclimatecenter.orgcirclingthenews.compolice1.comaudacy.comwashingtonpost.comsfgate.comwealthmanagement.comtheguardian.commedicaredforall.cominstagram.comfacebook.comyahoo.compro.stateaffairs.comhollywoodreporter.compolitico.comcalmatters.orgnbclosangeles.comsanjosespotlight.combeyondchron.orgcapradio.orgabcnews.commissionlocal.orgnypost.comwashingtonexaminer.comsacbee.comdailynews.comx.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdocquery.fec.govgovinfo.govfec.govzh.wikipedia.orgdemocrats-financialservices.house.govwhitehouse.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Rick Caruso has criticized Los Angeles’ Measure ULA (a tiered property/transaction tax) and has pushed for suspending or rolling back the levy in fire-damaged zones, arguing it reduces investment and development. He has also emphasized reducing permitting fees and regulatory burdens that he says raise costs and discourage development. Caruso has disclosed limited tax-payment summaries but declined to release full tax returns.
Immigration & Border
Supports a pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents who contribute economically and have no criminal record, while calling for secure borders and deportation of those with criminal records. Has funded and advocated for assistance to immigrant families affected by immigration enforcement.
Show moreShow less
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate publicly identifies as pro‑choice, pledged financial support toward a 2022 California constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights, and has said he would defend reproductive rights. His past donations and earlier comments opposing abortion in many cases have drawn criticism and prompted scrutiny of his record.
Climate & Energy
Supports moving Los Angeles and energy systems away from dependence on fossil fuels, backing 100% renewable electricity goals while endorsing technologies like green hydrogen and storage to integrate intermittent renewables. Emphasizes sustainability measures from his past service at LADWP and on development projects but has not consistently published a detailed, fully specified climate plan.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports measures to reduce gun violence by targeting illegal and dangerous firearms (including ghost guns) and keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers while emphasizing stronger law-enforcement responses and increased officer staffing. Policy emphasis combines limited firearm restrictions and enforcement with a pro-policing approach to public safety.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Rick Caruso is in the news because the Los Angeles mayoral primary is still being counted, and the final top-two result remains unresolved as mail ballots are processed. The race has also drawn a federal voter-fraud investigation tied to claims about registration and voting among homeless residents in Los Angeles. The reporting does not say Caruso himself is accused, but it shows the contest is still under scrutiny and not fully settled.
cityclerk.lacity.org+54
Articles
UTUSA TODAY3 months ago
What time is California governor debate? See channels airing Tuesday
Neutral
CNCBS News3 months ago
California gubernatorial candidates address Swalwell fallout in Sacramento forum
Neutral
VCVentura County Star4 months ago
California governor race gears up with March debate. How to watch
Neutral
NYNew York Post1 month ago
FBI agents probe LA’s Skid Row in voter fraud investigation
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor winner? (Person)
Endorsers of Rick Caruso for California Governor winner? (Person)
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising