Media outlets continue to speculate that the Biden administration may appoint LA Mayor Eric Garcetti as the new ambassador to India, but Garcetti has yet to confirm whether he has received an offer.
“I don’t have anything to announce. But, if it comes along, I’ll be letting you know,” Garcetti said.
“I enjoy reading the speculation. I've learned I was supposed to be the secretary of this, that and the other, an ambassador to multiple countries,” he added.
Fernando Guerra, a political analyst at Loyola Marymount University’s Center for the Study of LA thinks losing Garcetti to an ambassadorship would be a blow to the city.
“Why would someone want to be ambassador to India rather than mayor of Los Angeles, even if it's at the end of your term?,” he asked before concluding, “It diminishes the position of mayor of Los Angeles.”
The rumored appointment would have Garcetti leaving his mayoral post before the term ends in December of next year. Garcetti’s departure would result in a special election or a temporary appointment by the City Council.
Guerra believes an appointment is more likely. Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa or outgoing LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner are two possible candidates for interim mayor, according to Guerra. Villaraigosa has also been proposed as a contender to run against Gov. Gavin Newsom in the recall election.