Overview

• Beutner’s X, Instagram and Bluesky accounts briefly displayed “AUSTIN for LA MAYOR” branding and campaign-use language before the posts were removed.
• He said he is preparing a 2026 challenge to Mayor Karen Bass but has not formally launched a campaign.
• He faulted City Hall’s handling of the Palisades fire, citing broken hydrants, staffing lapses and poor coordination, and said the mayor bears ultimate responsibility.
• He described Los Angeles as “adrift,” criticized Bass over homelessness policy and her resistance to an independent Inside Safe audit, and blamed the budget shortfall on poor decisions.
• Political analysts say he would be Bass’s most serious rival given his profile and fundraising capacity, Rick Caruso has not announced a bid, and Beutner voiced conceptual support for the new state housing law SB 79.