News Summary
Austin Beutner, former LAUSD superintendent and arts education advocate, is reportedly preparing to run for mayor of Los Angeles in 2026. Though specific campaign plans remain unconfirmed, his social media hints at an impending announcement. Facing current Mayor Karen Bass, Beutner brings notable experience from various sectors, which may pose a challenge to her re-election amid growing scrutiny. His focus on city issues like homelessness and fiscal management may resonate with voters as Los Angeles navigates pressing challenges.
Los Angeles – Austin Beutner, a former investment banker and high-profile advocate for arts education, is reportedly preparing to run for mayor of Los Angeles in 2026. Beutner, who served as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) from 2018 to 2021, has shown signs of a potential campaign through his social media activity. His accounts briefly featured campaign imagery stating “AUSTIN for LA MAYOR,” which has since been removed, and new accounts under the name AustinforLA were created on Instagram and Bluesky, displaying similar messages, although these were also promptly taken down.
At 65 years old, Beutner has not confirmed a timeline for his campaign launch amidst mounting speculation in political circles. He may represent a significant challenge to the current Mayor, Karen Bass, who is seeking re-election. Several other candidates have filed to run for mayor as well, but none have the financial resources or public recognition of Beutner, making him a key player in the upcoming election. Rick Caruso, whom Bass defeated in 2022, has yet to formally announce whether he will run again.
Beutner’s potential candidacy emerges at a challenging time for Mayor Bass, who has faced scrutiny over her handling of various issues, including the recent Palisades fire, a $1 billion budget shortfall, and concerns relating to immigration enforcement. His diverse professional background positions him uniquely to address these challenges, having previously worked as a high-level aide to former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Throughout his career, Beutner has been involved in numerous sectors, including investment banking and journalism, in addition to his public service roles. He co-founded the nonprofit Vision to Learn, which provides essential vision care to children in underprivileged areas. Prior to his time in public service, he was a co-founder and former president of Evercore Partners, a well-known financial advisory firm.
Beutner’s tenure as Los Angeles’ first deputy mayor in 2010 saw him focus on business transactions during an economic downturn. Although he previously attempted to run for mayor in 2012, he withdrew despite securing support from influential figures like former Mayor Richard Riordan. His brief stint as publisher of the Los Angeles Times was marked by a focus on digital growth and reader engagement, although he was ousted after one year.
During his time as the LAUSD superintendent, Beutner oversaw significant efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing the distribution of millions of meals to students and upgrading air filtration systems in schools. He was also influential in the passage of Proposition 28 in 2022, a measure that secures funding for arts education in California schools. Earlier this year, he and others initiated legal action against LAUSD, alleging the mismanagement of arts funding and inadequate provision of necessary arts instruction.
Beutner believes Los Angeles is currently “adrift” and aims to address ongoing city issues such as homelessness and fiscal challenges, which he attributes to poor decision-making. He has voiced concerns over Mayor Bass’s attempts to block an independent audit of her homelessness initiative, known as Inside Safe. Beutner has positioned himself as someone who can provide strong leadership during crises, drawing from his experiences managing the complexities of the pandemic in the school district.
As Beutner’s campaign gears up, attention will remain on the dynamics of the mayoral race and how his candidacy will unfold against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ pressing challenges.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Why Austin Beutner Wants to be LA’s Next Mayor
- New York Times: Mayor Bass and Austin Beutner
- Los Angeles Times: Is Austin Beutner Planning to Run for Mayor?
- Seattle Times: Austin Beutner Chosen to Head LA Schools
- Wikipedia: Austin Beutner
- Google News: Austin Beutner
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
