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Rick Caruso says he's not running for public office 'at this time'

CARUSO ELECTION PARTY
Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso's Election Night party at the Grove on Nov. 8, 2022.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)

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Billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso announced Friday that he won't be running for public office.

Why it matters: Caruso has long been rumored to be eyeing a run for California governor or for L.A. mayor.

Why now: But in a statement released on social media, Caruso said, "After much reflection and many heartfelt conversations with my family, I have decided not to pursue elected office at this time."

He called it a "difficult" decision.

The backstory: Caruso ran for L.A. mayor in a self-funded campaign costing some $100 million against Karen Bass in 2022.

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Last year, former Vice President Kamala Harris — another high-profile politico said to be interested in the state's top job — announced she would not be joining the race.

Deep dive: Who’s running for California governor? Here’s a look at the current field of candidates

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