Billionaire property developer Rick Caruso has thrown his full support behind San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan in the race to become California’s next governor, calling him the “only proven candidate” in a crowded Democratic contest.
Caruso made the announcement this week in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), where he appeared alongside Mahan and praised him as one of the state’s most capable political figures.
The endorsement comes just months before California’s primary vote, a key stage that will decide which candidates advance in the race for one of the most influential political jobs in the United States.
While this story sits firmly in American politics, it carries wider interest for UK readers because California’s leadership often shapes global policy debates around climate action, technology regulation, and business investment.
Why Did Rick Caruso Endorse Matt Mahan?
Caruso said he believes Matt Mahan stands out because he has experience leading both in the private sector and in government.
In the video, Caruso described Mahan as: “one of the brightest and most capable leaders in our state.”
.@MattMahanSJ is the only proven candidate in this race, with real leadership experience in the private sector and as mayor of our third largest city. He’s a doer, not a career talker. While others debate politics, Matt delivers results. He knows fixing California takes… pic.twitter.com/QNYhwvNzZM
— Rick J. Caruso (@RickCarusoLA) February 13, 2026
He also claimed Mahan was “brimming with innovative ideas” and could deliver solutions without being distracted by what he called “partisan nonsense”.
Caruso’s central argument was that Mahan has the executive mindset needed to tackle California’s long-running challenges, rather than relying on political slogans or national party arguments.
What Did Caruso Actually Say in the Video?
Caruso did not hold back in his praise, stating clearly that Mahan is the only person in the race with a proven record of leadership.
He said: “He’s the only candidate in the race who is an executive who has run something successfully both in the private sector… and as mayor of San Jose.”
Caruso also suggested that California needs a governor who focuses on practical results rather than political theatre.
He argued that fixing the state’s problems requires “commonsense solutions” rather than repeating the same arguments seen in Washington, DC.
However, the endorsement message came with a noticeable gap: neither Caruso nor Mahan explained exactly what policies they plan to introduce if elected.
That lack of detail may raise questions among voters who want clearer plans on housing, homelessness, crime, and the state’s cost-of-living crisis.
Who Is Rick Caruso and Why Does His Support Matter?
Rick Caruso is a high-profile Los Angeles real estate developer and billionaire businessman who has increasingly become a political figure in recent years.
He previously ran for Los Angeles Mayor and later positioned himself as a contender in the California governor’s race, before dropping out of both.
His political identity has also shifted, having moved from Republican circles into the Democratic space, which makes his endorsement even more eye-catching.
In California politics, endorsements from wealthy business figures matter because they can influence fundraising, media attention, and voter confidence.
Caruso’s backing may help Mahan attract moderate Democrats, independents, and business-friendly voters who want a more managerial style of leadership.
What Does Matt Mahan Bring to the California Governor’s Race?
Matt Mahan currently serves as Mayor of San Jose, a major city at the heart of Silicon Valley. That alone gives him a profile that appeals to voters focused on innovation, jobs, and the future economy.
Caruso framed Mahan as a leader who can bridge the gap between public service and business thinking. In California, where voters regularly debate whether politicians deliver real results, this kind of positioning could resonate strongly.
The endorsement also gives Mahan a major boost in visibility. With only four months left until the primary, name recognition and campaign momentum matter more than ever.
Is the California Governor’s Race Becoming More Competitive?
Yes, and Caruso’s endorsement signals that the contest is heating up quickly. Mahan is entering a packed Democratic field, with several candidates competing for attention and donor support.
With the primary approaching, candidates must now prove they can build coalitions fast and communicate a clear message to voters.
Caruso’s support could give Mahan an early advantage in fundraising conversations, especially among wealthy donors and business communities who want a more centrist approach to leadership.
However, endorsements alone rarely win elections. Mahan will still need to show he has detailed plans and a clear stance on California’s biggest challenges.
Why Should UK Readers Pay Attention to This?
Although the election takes place thousands of miles away, California plays an outsized role in shaping global policy and economic trends.
California’s governor often influences decisions that affect the UK indirectly, including technology rules, environmental regulations, investment trends, and international business confidence.
British firms operating in Silicon Valley-linked sectors such as fintech, AI, and clean energy frequently watch California politics closely.
This is also another example of a wider political trend seen in both the US and the UK, wealthy business figures increasingly shaping political debates through endorsements and campaign influence.
