The Vindication Of Rick Caruso

How The Visionary Leader’s Resilience Proves L.A. Needs Him Now More Than Ever

In early 2022, I was among the first to urge Rick Caruso to run for mayor of Los Angeles. I saw in Rick a rare blend of pragmatism, vision, and an unyielding commitment to results- qualities desperately needed in a city grappling with homelessness, crime, and a growing sense of disarray.

When he announced his candidacy, I felt a surge of hope. Here was a leader who didn’t just talk about progress and change but had a proven track record of building it. It was a privilege to join his campaign as an advisor, and though we fell short in that election, the events of the past three years- most notably the devastating wildfires in January- have vindicated Rick’s vision and underscored why Los Angeles needs his leadership now more than ever.

Working on Rick’s 2022 campaign was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I had the honor of organizing and helping to facilitate moments that showcased and demonstrated his commitment to inclusivity and community.

One of my proudest contributions was organizing a tour and meeting with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, where Rick listened intently to the concerns of staff and community members, pledging to make Los Angeles a safer, more equitable city for all. I also helped coordinate “LGBTQ for Caruso” events, which brought together diverse voices to rally behind a candidate who, despite being unfairly painted as a conservative by his opponents, embraced progressive values like marriage equality and stood firmly with the LGBTQ community. These events weren’t just campaign stops; they were a testament to Rick’s ability to connect with people, to listen, and to lead with empathy-qualities that have only become more essential as Los Angeles faces mounting challenges.

The 2022 campaign was a battle against an entrenched political machine. Rick was vilified by many in the establishment. They questioned his motives, and leaned heavily on his past affiliation as a Republican to cast doubt on his commitment to Democratic ideals. Those of us who supported him- myself included- faced similar attacks, accused of betraying the cause for backing an outsider. But we knew the truth: that this was a man who loved the city and simply wanted to make it better. Now, as Los Angeles reels from the wildfires and grapples with persistent issues like homelessness, crime and infrastructure decay, it’s clear that those of us who stood with Rick were on the right side of history.

Since his loss to Mayor Karen Bass 3 years ago, Rick has not retreated into the shadows. Instead, he has emerged even more prominently as the civic leader he has been for several decades now, stepping up for Angelenos when they need it most. The wildfires that scorched Pacific Palisades and Altadena exposed glaring deficiencies in the city’s preparedness and response.

While Mayor Bass faced rightful criticism for her handling of the crisis, Rick was on the ground, cheerleading businesses to reopen, advising homeowners on rebuilding, and calling for greater firefighting resources. He and his wife pledged $5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a tangible commitment to bolstering the city’s resilience. His organization, Steadfast LA, has been working tirelessly with both the city and Los Angeles County to address the fallout from the fires, collaborating on initiatives to streamline recovery efforts and ensure resources reach those who need them most.

Perhaps most notably, just a few days ago, Steadfast LA announced a groundbreaking AI tool designed to help people, as their press release said, “accelerate the approval process for rebuilding permits to help communities recover more quickly from the Eaton and Palisades fires”. As Rick himself said, “bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days”.

It’s a game-changer, and it’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking solution Rick has always championed. While the current administration struggles to keep pace with Los Angeles’ challenges, Rick’s work as a private citizen has delivered more tangible results than many of City Hall’s initiatives. His ability to act decisively, without the bureaucratic gridlock that often paralyzes government, speaks volumes about why he’s the right leader for our city.

The problems that plagued Los Angeles in 2022 have only worsened under the current administration. The homeless population has grown, our first responders don’t have the resources they need, crime continues to climb in certain areas, and the city’s streets and infrastructure are buckling under the weight of neglect.

Rick warned us about these issues during his campaign, and his critics dismissed him as a fearmonger. But Rick’s point has been proven: LA’s political establishment is broken, and it’s failing the people it claims to serve. His call for a political outsider to clean up City Hall wasn’t just rhetoric; it was a prescient diagnosis of a city in desperate need of reform.

As we look ahead to the 2026 mayoral election- or even a potential gubernatorial run in the same year- I can’t help but urge Rick to throw his hat in the ring once more. Los Angeles, and perhaps all of California, needs a leader with his proven ability to get results.

Imagine Rick as mayor during the 2028 Olympics, a global stage where LA could shine as a world-class city. His experience building iconic destinations like The Grove, The Americana and Palisades Village demonstrates his knack for creating spaces that inspire pride and unity. His leadership during the Olympics would ensure that Los Angeles not only hosts a spectacular event but also emerges stronger, with investments in infrastructure, housing, and public safety that benefit Angelenos for generations.

Rick Caruso’s vindication isn’t just about being shown to be right all along; it’s about what his leadership could mean for Los Angeles’ future. The fires of 2025 laid bare the city’s vulnerabilities, but they also illuminated the strength of a man who refuses to give up on his hometown.

As someone who proudly stood by him in 2022, I believe now is the time for Rick to step forward again, whether as mayor or governor. Los Angeles deserves a leader who can turn vision into reality, who can unite a fractured city, and who can restore our pride in being Angelenos. Rick Caruso is that leader, and I, for one, am ready to fight for his vision once more.