Italian-American camaraderie, Los Angeles pride, and the future of the city took center stage Monday night when real estate developer and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso joined longtime friend and entertainment personality Adam Carolla for a live taping of The Adam Carolla Show. The event was held at Caruso’s own premier shopping destination, The Americana at Brand in Glendale, drawing a crowd eager to hear whether the billionaire businessman would shed light on persistent rumors regarding his political future.
Despite Adam Carolla’s attempts and the friendly banter between the two Caruso remained tight-lipped about whether he intends to pursue another run for public office. Speculation has swirled in recent weeks that Caruso may be considering a statewide campaign, potentially even positioning himself as a challenger to Governor Gavin Newsom rather than revisiting a rematch against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the future. Sources within philanthropic and political circles have said Caruso has met with significant donors, though he has reportedly declined to clarify what office he may seek in 2028.
But while Rick Caruso avoided giving a definitive answer, he had plenty to say about the issues facing Los Angeles particularly homelessness and the region’s ongoing recovery from recent destructive wildfires.
Earlier Monday, Caruso’s philanthropic initiative, Steadfast LA, delivered five new homes to families who had lost theirs in the Palisades fire, a series of blazes that scorched parts of the region and left many without permanent shelter. The gesture was emotional, Caruso told the audience, and a powerful reminder of the region’s unmet needs.
“It was just one of the greatest days of my life,” Rick Caruso said during the taping, according to The Westside Current. “I left there thinking, ‘Why isn’t the government doing more for these people? They have no options.’”
Rick Caruso spoke about his deep personal ties to Los Angeles, recalling his upbringing and his family’s immigrant history. His grandparents arrived in the United States through Ellis Island, with his paternal grandfather working as a coal miner in Uniontown. His father was born in a mining camp before the family eventually made their way to Boyle Heights, which Caruso described as “the old Italian-Jewish neighborhood of L.A.”
Adam Carolla, who also has Italian roots, shifted the conversation to cultural representation, asking why Los Angeles a major metropolis with strong Italian-American history lacks a recognized Little Italy. Caruso responded enthusiastically: “I’m on it,” drawing laughter and applause.
But politics was never far from the surface. Rick Caruso has been publicly critical of both Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom, particularly in their handling of wildfire response and homelessness. His remarks at the event carried the tone of a man deeply invested in reshaping the direction of the city even as he insisted he was not there to announce any campaign plans.
“Well, there’s no announcement tonight,” Caruso said, flashing a smile. “The only announcement I might make tonight is where I’m going to dinner afterwards.”
For now, Los Angeles will continue to speculate but the conversation has clearly begun. As Adam Carolla and Caruso parted ways onstage, one thing was evident: whatever Caruso’s next move may be, he is keeping the city and the political world watching closely.