Austin Beutner, a businessman who was the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District through the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, is planning to run for mayor of the city of Los Angeles.

Beutner’s plans, which have not been formally announced but were first reported by the New York Times on Saturday, complicate Mayor Karen Bass’ bid to retain her position in the 2026 election. Beutner is the first high-profile competitor officially facing off with Bass, who, since the Palisades Fire, has faced a barrage of criticism over her capability to lead the second-largest city in the United States.

In an interview with LAist this week, Beutner characterized L.A. as a city “adrift” that he wants to help get “back on track.”

“ How long have we been talking about the same probl

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