Rick Caruso is one of the leading candidates in the upcoming elections for the mayor’s office of Los Angeles. Caruso, a pro-business billionaire, was previously a Republican who later shifted to the Democratic party.

Caruso was recently endorsed by Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the richest person in the world. The 63-year-old is taking on candidates like United States Representative Karen Bass, who was on then-President-elect Joe Biden’s shortlist for vice president.

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If no candidate clears 50% — which is likely with a crowded ballot — the top two finishers advance to a November runoff.

Who is Rick Caruso?

Rick Caruso, coming from a family of successful business owners, is a big name in the American real estate industry. He found Caruso in 1987 and made it one of the biggest privately held real estate firms in the country. He was also dubbed the “Walt Disney Of Real Estate” by Forbes.

Rick Caruso has also served as the President of the Los Angeles Police Commission after being appointed by former mayor James Hahn in August of 2001. Caruso served a five-year term. 

According to Rick Caruso’s official website, he oversaw a 30 percent reduction in crime and overhauled police disciplinary procedures as the Los Angeles Police Commission President.

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Caruso attended the Good Shepherd Grammar School and the University of Southern California. He is also a graduate of Harvard High. After he graduated from USC, he was called to step in as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Caruso claims that he “empowered independent investigations to clean up admissions and ensure accountability for those culpable in cases of sexual abuse.”

Rick Caruso and his wife Tina have been married for roughly 35 years and have four children: Alex, Gregory, Justin, and Gianna.