Los Angeles, February 6, 2026
The Los Angeles mayoral race is undergoing significant changes as candidates withdraw and new contenders emerge. Rick Caruso’s decision not to run and Austin Beutner’s departure following personal tragedy have opened doors for Spencer Pratt and Adam Miller. As the election date approaches, the political landscape reflects the diverse perspectives and potential for fresh leadership in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Dynamic Shifts as Candidates Withdraw from Mayoral Race
February 6, 2026
The landscape of the Los Angeles mayoral race is rapidly evolving as the February filing deadline approaches. With key candidates announcing their withdrawal, new contenders are stepping up to fill the gap, highlighting the city’s vibrant political scene and the potential for fresh leadership amidst ongoing challenges. This dynamic change reflects both the resilience of local leaders and the diversity of perspectives that characterize Los Angeles.
Among the most significant developments is the decision of billionaire developer Rick Caruso not to enter the race, a choice influenced by recent controversies surrounding current Mayor Karen Bass. At the same time, the departure of former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner following a personal tragedy underscores the human element within the political arena. As the race continues, new candidates are eager to address pressing issues, showcasing a blend of private sector experience and unique personal narratives.
Key Developments in the Mayoral Race
Rick Caruso’s Withdrawal
Rick Caruso, a notable figure in real estate, has confirmed he will not pursue the mayoral position. His decision comes amidst allegations concerning the modification of reports related to the Palisades Fire, claims that Mayor Karen Bass has publicly denied. Caruso had previously expressed criticism of Bass’s handling of the emergency, which had placed him in a reconsiderative stance regarding his candidacy.
Austin Beutner’s Departure
In a poignant turn of events, Austin Beutner suspended his campaign after the untimely death of his daughter. Initially aiming to challenge Mayor Bass, Beutner’s withdrawal highlights the personal sacrifices many candidates endure while navigating the complexities of public service and political ambition.
New Candidates Enter the Race
The recent withdrawals have paved the way for fresh faces in the mayoral contest. Spencer Pratt, known for his reality TV background and personal experience as a survivor of the Palisades Fire, has filed to run, presenting a grassroots perspective on city leadership. Concurrently, Adam Miller, a tech entrepreneur with a strong record in business leadership, emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to housing challenges and growing public safety concerns. His candidacy reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs entering the political sphere, driven by a desire to enact change.
Background Context
Set for June 2, 2026, the upcoming mayoral election promises to be contentious, especially if no candidate secures a majority, potentially leading to a runoff on November 3, 2026. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is seeking re-election amidst an emergent field of challengers, illustrating the competitive nature of Los Angeles politics as voters weigh diverse viewpoints on critical issues.
Key Features of the Los Angeles Mayoral Race
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Date | June 2, 2026 (with a runoff on November 3, 2026, if necessary) |
| Incumbent Mayor | Karen Bass, seeking re-election |
| Key Withdrawals | Rick Caruso and Austin Beutner have suspended their campaigns |
| New Entrants | Spencer Pratt and Adam Miller have entered the race |
| Filing Deadline | February 7, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Rick Caruso?
Rick Caruso is a billionaire real estate developer who has decided not to run for mayor in the 2026 election, influenced by recent allegations concerning the modification of reports related to the Palisades Fire.
Why did Austin Beutner withdraw from the mayoral race?
Austin Beutner suspended his campaign due to the unexpected death of his daughter, highlighting the personal challenges faced by candidates in public office.
Who are the new candidates entering the Los Angeles mayoral race?
New entrants include Spencer Pratt, who draws on personal experience as a survivor of the Palisades Fire, and Adam Miller, a tech entrepreneur focusing on leadership in addressing housing and safety issues.
When is the Los Angeles mayoral election?
The Los Angeles mayoral election is set for June 2, 2026, with a possible runoff on November 3, 2026, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tech Entrepreneur Adam Miller Enters Los Angeles Mayoral Race
Rick Caruso Declines to Run for Mayor of Los Angeles
Rick Caruso Shifts Focus from Politics to Community Service
Spencer Pratt Announces Candidacy for Los Angeles Mayor
Spencer Pratt Announces Mayoral Candidacy in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Launches DROP Platform to Enhance Data Privacy
Mayor Karen Bass Launches Reelection Campaign in Los Angeles
NBC4 and Telemundo 52 Kick Off Annual Campaign to Fight Hunger
Record-Breaking Rainfall Hits Southern California
Rae Huang Challenges Karen Bass in L.A. Mayoral Election
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
