In the highly-contested mayoral election of 2022 in Los Angeles, voters cast their ballots in favor of Democrat Karen Bass over fellow Democrat Rick Caruso. This decision has sparked ongoing discussions about the implications of Bass's leadership, particularly in light of the tragic events that unfolded during the catastrophic fires in January 2023. These fires claimed the lives of 30 people, destroyed over 16,000 structures, and are estimated to have caused damages upwards of $250 billion.

The state of California employs a unique no-party-preference voting system for most political races, allowing the two candidates with the most votes in the primaries to advance to the general election. With registered Republicans making up only about one in four voters in California, it is not uncommon for the top two candidates in various elections to be members of the Democratic Party.

In the case of the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race, the Democratic Party faced a challenging decision regarding which candidate to endorse. Notably, this election experienced an unprecedented level of national engagement for a local contest, particularly as national Democratic leaders rallied behind Bass when Caruso started to close the gap in polling, trailing Bass by a mere three points.

The endorsement of Bass by a host of prominent national Democratic figures raised eyebrows, especially considering that both candidates were Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris made two trips to Los Angeles to lend her support to Bass, while former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also attended rallies to endorse her. Additionally, notable figures such as President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi all expressed their backing for Bass. In contrast, Caruso only secured endorsements from three out of the fifteen members of the LA City Council.

What is particularly striking about the endorsements from national figures is that they were issued by individuals who are not residents of Los Angeles and, therefore, lacked local expertise regarding the issues that might play a crucial role in deciding which candidate was better suited for the position. This raises questions about the basis of their endorsements, suggesting that they were less about evaluating the merits of the candidates and more about political loyalty.

If endorsements had been based on merit alone, Caruso's extensive experience would likely have given him the advantage. He has decades of experience as a CEO, having founded one of the most successful real estate development firms in California at the young age of 28. His notable projects, including the Grove at Farmers Market and the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel, contribute significantly to the state's economic landscape and job creation in Southern California.

In comparison, Bass's background primarily stems from her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she focused on issues like criminal justice reform and child welfare. While she made some contributions in Congress, her legislative record did not stand out significantly, lacking the depth of experience one might expect for a mayor managing a complex, multi-faceted organization like Los Angeles.

So why did the national Democratic establishment choose to support Bass over Caruso, the candidate with extensive managerial experience? One critical factor appears to be Caruso's political history; he had registered as a Democrat shortly before launching his mayoral bid after years as an independent and prior affiliations with the Republican Party. This history made him a contentious figure among national Democrats, particularly in a city as predominantly blue as Los Angeles.

The ramifications of this decision became painfully clear during the devastating fires that began on January 7, 2023. While Bass was in Ghana attending the inauguration of the countrys president, she stated she was unaware of the dangerous fire conditions back home. However, documentation revealed that over one hundred officials in the city, including those from the National Weather Service, had been alerted about critical fire conditions days prior. This lapse in awareness suggests a significant organizational failure that may have contributed to the tragic loss of life and property.

In stark contrast, Caruso took proactive measures by hiring private firefighting teams and securing resources to protect his business interests in Pacific Palisades, an area vulnerable to wildfires. His foresight in ensuring the safety of his properties likely helped mitigate potential damage and job loss in the region.

Had Caruso been elected mayor, it is reasonable to speculate that the city would have been better prepared for the fire crisis, as he understood the need for immediate action. Reports indicated that vital response efforts were delayed during the fire, leading to the tragic loss of life and property while Bass was out of touch in a foreign country.

The overall competence and experience Caruso brought to the table highlight a critical question: did Los Angeles make the right choice in electing Bass, despite her receiving overwhelming national support from party leaders? Governor Gavin Newsom, who is well-acquainted with both candidates, notably refrained from endorsing either, suggesting perhaps a preference for Caruso's leadership style. This lack of endorsement from a significant state figure raises further questions about the Democratic establishment's support for Bass and their awareness of local complexities.

Nicole Avant, a prominent Democrat and former ambassador, encapsulated the sentiments of many Angelenos when she questioned the state of chaos surrounding the city, advocating for a leader who could restore order. Caruso is seen by some as a candidate capable of enacting real change in a city grappling with multiple crises. The ongoing discussions surrounding the decision to elect Bass over Caruso, especially in light of recent events, will likely continue to shape the political landscape in Los Angeles for years to come.