Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick Caruso is stoking speculation about his political future as he becomes one of the most vocal Democratic critics of the handling of the wildfires that have ravaged parts of the region.

Caruso has taken part in a local and national media blitz, telling Bill Maher over the weekend that he predicted the catastrophe. The former candidate has also seen public support from President Trump’s adviser Elon Musk on the social platform X, which Caruso has reshared.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D), who is up for reelection in 2026, has been facing backlash for her response to the fires. Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is wrapping up his term. Caruso has been floated for both positions.

“Rick Caruso becomes this obvious, center-left former Republican,” said Rob Stutzman, a California political consultant who was an aide to former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). “It’s not a Republican but it’s certainly a pendulum swing to the middle.”

Caruso was registered as a Republican until 2011, when he dropped the affiliation and registered as a Democrat. Despite spending $100 million during his 2022 mayoral run and outspending Bass, Caruso ultimately lost by less than10 points.

The businessman-turned-politician told Maher he wants to focus on rebuilding, but he appeared to leave........

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