Who could run for California Governor? From Caitlyn Jenner to Randy Quaid
CELEBS including Keeping Up With The Kardashians' Caitlyn Jenner and Golden Globe winner Randy Quaid could become California's next Governor.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reckons Caitlyn might follow in his footsteps by switching from celebrity to politician. The state's under-fire leader Gavin Newsom could be ousted by this line-up of contenders…
Who is in the running for California governor?
Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is facing a recall election following a Republican-led backlash against the California Governor's handling of the Covid pandemic.
Critics of Newsom, who has served as governor since 2019, have reacted furiously to his shutdowns of the state.
As of April 2021, organizers of the Republican recall effort against him had collected enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, state election officials confirmed.
The California secretary of state's office said that more than 1.6million signatures have been deemed valid – about 100,000 more than needed to trigger just the second such election in the state's history.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has predicted that about 100 candidates will enter the race for California's highest office.
The action movie star was the 38th governor of the state of California.
Here are the political contenders so far:
Caitlyn Jenner
Caitlyn Jenner, an Olympic hero and reality TV star – including of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and hit UK show I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!- announced she was running for office.
Transgender activist Caitlyn, 71, confirmed she will be campaigning to become governor in her home state of California should incumbent Newsom be recalled.
“I'm in,” she declared on Twitter.
“For the past decade, we have seen the glimmer of the Golden State reduced by one-party rule that places politics over progress and special interests over people. Sacramento needs an honest leader with a clear vision,” she added.
Caitlyn has already weighed in to political rows, blasting Newsom for "releasing dangerous criminals" after a baby was allegedly killed by a man twice released from domestic abuse charges.
Her former nanny, Pam Behan, claimed the reality star had always dreamed of running for office.
But she is "unlikely" to get public endorsement from the Kardashians, warns a source.
Yahoo Entertainment reported the insider claimed it is "not likely" the famous family would "offer up much public support".
Kim, Kourtney, Kendall, Khloe and Kylie all appeared to celebrate when President Joe Biden, a Democrat, unseated Republican rival Donald Trump in November 2020.
And, according to TMZ sources, Caitlyn's sons, Brody, Brandon and Burt, are against her run for California governor, and her campaign is embarrassing them.
Caitlyn has also had a negative response from some celebs including Alyssa Milano, who tweeted: "With all due respect, Caitlyn Jenner, you are running as a Republican?!
"Republicans deny your existence and are trying to erase trans youth. HELL NO."
Randy Quaid
Actor Randy Quaid, 70, said he was "seriously considering" a run for California governor.
"I’m seriously considering running for governor," he tweeted.
"The prosecutorial corruption in California (esp Santa Barbara & the Bell scandal) is rampant; and I promise that if elected I will clean up the District Attorney Offices throughout the state," Randy added.
He then tweeted the hashtag: "RandyQuaid4CAGOV."
Randy, who is the older brother of The Big Easy and The Parent Trap actor Dennis Quaid, has not launched an official campaign – yet.
And it's not immediately clear what political party the star is affiliated with.
But, he was an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Randy was nominated for an Oscar for The Last Detail (1973), and won a Golden Globe for his performance as Lyndon Johnson in LBJ: The Early Years (1987)
Vanity Fair says the actor has appeared in more than 70 other films, including Independence Day (1996) and Brokeback Mountain (2005).
He has "worked with countless legends of the film industry" including Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando.
But Randy is "probably best known for his over-the-top role as Cousin Eddie, Chevy Chase’s cousin-in-law in the Vacation comedies – something which irks him," the magazine adds.
Mary Carey
Ex-porn actor Mary Carey, 40, has also signalled her intention to run for Governor.
The former porn star – whose real name is Mary Cook – said she had “big plans for California".
And she's already trying to cash in on the election by flogging off busty versions of herself on everything from T-shirts to hooded sweatshirts and drawstring bags.
“It is time for someone with a new attitude from outside of mainstream politics to lead.
“I can promise you — it won’t take long before all Californians will be satisfied with my job performance," she added in a statement.
Mary previously ran for office in 2003 when Gov. Gray Davis was recalled.
Angelyne
Los Angeles billboard queen Angelyne, 70, is also in the running, according to her pink-laden website.
She "became a sensation after 1984, when she began buying up billboard space throughout LA featuring illustrations and photos of herself in suggestive poses," notes the Mail Online.
The Poland-born woman is known for her iconic pink Corvette in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood.
She referred to the vehicle while talking up her political campaign to Los Angeles Magazine.
Angelyne, who also ran in 2003, said that one of her slogans is 'Good Luck California'.
She added: "I’m this gorgeous blonde with big boobs… I’ve made a pathway for anyone who wants to run.
"If I win I promise that I will not sit in an office, I’ll still drive my car as the governor’s office on wheels."
Kevin Faulconer
Republicans vying to replace Newsom include former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, 54.
His Twitter bio announces that he is "candidate for California Governor" along with being a "husband and father".
He has been busy on social media, promoting himself as the best person for the role.
For example, Kevin tweeted: "I'm the only candidate with experience reducing homelessness".
And in response to the Covid pandemic, he said: "Our restaurants have been devastated by the pandemic. We must help them recover."
John Cox
Former gubernatorial candidate John Cox, 65, has also announced his intention to run, reports the Hill.
The Los Angeles Times says that little is known about Republican challenger, businessman John Cox.
Newsom defeated him in the 2018 general election.
Doug Ose
Former Congressman Doug Ose has also announced that he running for governor.
The LA Times reports that the former Northern California Rep. is a Republican who left office in 2005.
Richard Grenell
Former US President Donald Trump administration official Richard Grenell has been speaking about running for Governor in California, reports Forbes.
He is Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence and ex-ambassador to Germany.
When is the California governor vote?
In a recall election, voters would be asked two questions: First, should Newsom be recalled?
The second question would include a list of replacement candidates to choose from, but the results only would matter if a majority of voters cast ballots to remove Newsom.
An election is likely in the fall.
If Newsom survives the recall he will be up for reelection in 2022.
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