Austin Beutner Withdraws from LA Mayoral Race After the Loss of His Daughter
Austin Beutner Withdraws from LA Mayoral Race Following Daughter’s Passing
LOS ANGELES – Former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner has announced the suspension of his campaign for Mayor of Los Angeles in light of the tragic death of his daughter, Emily Beutner, at 22.
In a heartfelt statement released Thursday, Beutner expressed that the "unimaginable loss" of his daughter requires his full attention to family matters. "A successful campaign, and more importantly the job of Mayor, requires someone who is committed 24/7 to the job. Family has always come first for me. That is where I need to be at this time," he stated.
Emily Beutner passed away on January 6, 2026, while she was a student at Loyola Marymount University. Her sudden death has garnered widespread compassion and support from individuals across the political landscape in Los Angeles.
Beutner had entered the mayoral race as a significant challenger to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, drawing on his extensive background as a businessman and educator.
As the campaign progresses without him, the details surrounding Emily’s death remain unclear. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed her passing but has deferred the official cause pending toxicology and laboratory results.
Mayor Karen Bass has publicly expressed her sympathy, saying, "There is no way to describe the depth of pain experienced by parents who have lost a child. My heart is broken for the Beutner family."
With Beutner’s exit, the dynamics of the mayoral race will shift considerably, leaving Bass without one of her key competitors. Despite stepping back, Beutner hopes to continue contributing to the improvement of Los Angeles in the future.
