Former Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner is running for the mayor of Los Angeles, becoming the most high-profile candidate to officially enter the 2026 race so far.

In an interview Saturday night with Southern California News Group, Beutner leveled criticism at Mayor Karen Bass.

Beutner said Los Angeles is “adrift” and that the city government has failed to meet the basic needs of residents. He said he’s entering the 2026 mayoral race to help lead what he called a “citywide turnaround,” citing concerns over affordability, safety and the everyday challenges of living in L.A.

“It seems every day Los Angeles is becoming less affordable, less safe, and a more difficult place to live. We’re adrift,” Beutner said. “When people live in Los Angeles, they know the problems are

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