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Ex-Superintendent Beutner to Challenge Mayor Bass in 2026

10/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Austin Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, plans to challenge Mayor Karen Bass in 2026.
Beutner criticizes Bass for her handling of the Palisades fire, which killed 12 people.
He says emergency response by city leadership failed.
He would address rising housing costs and homelessness.
Beutner, a financier and philanthropist, could inspire Rick Caruso to run as Bass seeks re-election amid declining approval ratings.

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Story summary

Austin Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, plans to challenge Mayor Karen Bass in 2026.
Beutner criticizes Bass for her handling of the Palisades fire, which killed 12 people.
He says emergency response by city leadership failed.
He would address rising housing costs and homelessness.
Beutner, a financier and philanthropist, could inspire Rick Caruso to run as Bass seeks re-election amid declining approval ratings.