Developer Rick Caruso announced Friday that he has decided not to challenge Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the March 3 city election, saying the job would place too heavy a burden on his family.
The announcement means that, with the deadline to file being noon Saturday, Villaraigosa is unlikely to encounter any serious opposition in his re-election bid.
Caruso is best known as the developer of The Grove shopping center. He also served on the Police and Water and Power commissions.
“For the last few months I have been considering a potential run for mayor because I care a great deal about Los Angeles,” Caruso said in the statement. “I grew up in Los Angeles, attended school here, started my business here and have invested a great deal in this community, both in time and resources. I have raised my family here. I love Los Angeles.
“As I considered a run for mayor, given my experience both in the civic arena and in private business, I am confident that I have much to offer this city, both in terms of leadership and a passion for improving our community. For me personally however, my first consideration had to be whether, for my family, this was the right time for me to run.”