Former LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner Enters 2026 Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Austin Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, announced his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles yesterday, setting up a potential challenge to incumbent Karen Bass in the June 2026 election.

The 65-year-old investment banker and philanthropist launched his campaign with a four-minute video released on YouTube, where he also criticized Bass’ handling of recent crises. Beutner specifically focused on the January Palisades Fire, stating the city demonstrated a “failure of leadership” as the blaze damaged homes and businesses and resulted in 12 fatalities. “When you have broken hydrants…broken trucks that you can’t dispatch ahead of time…to me, it’s a failure of leadership,” Beutner said. The fire’s impact is still being felt by residents and businesses in the area, and the election will likely center on issues of city preparedness.

Bass’ campaign quickly responded, defending her record. Spokesman Doug Herman stated, “Today, homelessness has decreased [for] two consecutive years for the first time in Los Angeles. Violent crime is down across the city. Homicides have decreased to their lowest levels in 60 years.” He added that Bass is “committed to building on this historic momentum in her second term.” The Los Angeles Fire Department recently released an after-action report detailing communication issues and resource limitations during the Palisades Fire.

Developer Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in 2022, is also considered a potential candidate. Beutner previously served as publisher of the Los Angeles Times from 2014-2015 and as a deputy mayor under Antonio Villaraigosa. Bass’ office has not yet responded to requests for further comment, but is expected to address Beutner’s candidacy in the coming days.