
Supporters at Rick Caruso’s election night party at the Grove in Los Angeles.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Businessman Rick Caruso and U.S. Rep. Karen Bass were in a tight battle in the historically expensive race for mayor of Los Angeles, though the initial returns remain far from definitive.
Returns Wednesday morning gave Caruso a slight lead, after the first results had Bass with a small advantage.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Rick Caruso takes the stage during an election night rally in Los Angeles.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Rep. Karen Bass speaks during an election night rally in Los Angeles.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Sen. Alex Padilla speaks on election night in Los Angeles.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff candidate Robert Luna, middle, greets supporters on election night in Long Beach.
(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Sheriff Alex Villanueva speaks to supporters during an election night rally in Los Angeles.
(Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Luna, middle, is photographed with supporters during election night in Long Beach.
(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff Alex Villanueva at an election night party in Los Angeles.
(Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell speaks with supporters at an election night party in Hollywood.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles City Council candidate Hugo Soto-Martinez gathers with supporters at an election night party in Atwater Village.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell takes pictures with supporters in a photo booth at an election night party in Hollywood.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Supporters of Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell watch news coverage during an election night party in Hollywood.
(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A mariachi band performs at Robert Luna’s election night party in Long Beach.
(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
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