University of California Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies
5%4%3%2%1%0%
Los Angeles Mayor winner?
$83.0M
JUN 14, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleReal estate developer
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Jan 7, 1959)
GenderMale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundReal estate developer
EducationUniversity of Southern California — B.S. (1980)
Notable personal detailsRick Joseph Caruso is an American real estate developer and civic leader. He founded and leads Caruso, a privately held real estate company known for developing and operating retail and mixed-use destinations in Southern California. He served on the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners and was elected president of the commission in 2001. He has also served as chair of the University of Southern California Board of Trustees.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgcaruso.comwikidata.orglapdonline.orgtoday.usc.edues.wikipedia.orgforbes.comzh.wikipedia.orgrickcaruso.netpatch.comcustomsitesmedia.usc.eduocbj.media.clients.ellingtoncms.comcityclerk.lacity.orgreddit.comteachrock.orgtherealdeal.combreitbart.comlatimes.comcbsnews.comourlafamilies.comtradersunion.com19thnews.orgtheclimatecenter.orgcirclingthenews.compolice1.comaudacy.comwashingtonpost.comsfgate.comwealthmanagement.comtheguardian.commedicaredforall.comstatic.politico.compolitico.comdocs.house.govfec.govgovinfo.govvotesmart.orgcdn.ballotpedia.org
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.
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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 updatedJun 12, 2026
Rick Caruso is in the news because he is one of the candidates in California’s crowded 2026 governor’s race, where the top-two primary is still unsettled and final results may take days or weeks because of slow ballot counting. The race has been closely watched because no clear front-runner emerged, and recent coverage has focused on debates, candidate forums, and the possibility that two Republicans could advance to the general election. The contest has also been marked by internal party tensions and broader concerns about affordability and other state issues.
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Articles
UTUSA TODAY2 months ago
What time is California governor debate? See channels airing Tuesday
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CNCBS News2 months ago
California gubernatorial candidates address Swalwell fallout in Sacramento forum
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VCVentura County Star3 months ago
California governor race gears up with March debate. How to watch
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TMThe Mercury News6 days ago
California’s slow ballot count makes it a target for critics. It doesn’t mean elections are rigged
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Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising