From left: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Caitlyn Jenner, Angelyne and Mary Carey.Photo: Getty (2); Splash News Online; Getty
California recall elections can attract a chaotic crowd of candidates — and the latest one is shaping up that way, too, with a growing list that already includes lawmakers, entrepreneurs andCaitlyn Jenner.
The last governor’s recall, in 2003, ended withArnold Schwarzeneggerousting incumbent Gray Davis to become the state’s leader. The film star also bested more than 100 other candidates, most of whom entered the race with long-shot hopes.
Schwarzenegger, who held office until 2011, still easily recalls a lesson learned from that race.
“Anyone has a chance,” hetold Jimmy Kimmelthis week.
With another recall approaching, many Californians agree.
The recall of current Gov.Gavin Newsomwill be heldon Sept. 14, after a Republican-led effort gathered enough signatures across the state to force the rare election.
Candidates have started lining up, from serious political contenders to local long-shots.
TheLos Angeles Timesreports the current list of candidatesvying to challenge 53-year-old Newsom include politicians, businesspeople, oddball celebrities and even an ex-porn star.
Gavin Newsom.Rich Pedroncelli/AP/Bloomberg via Getty
Caitlyn Jenner.Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty
Newsom — who said earlier this year that he was “worried” about the recall effort but that he was “going to fight because there’s too much at stake in this moment” — may well eye Jenner as a notable challenger.
The Associated Pressreportedthat Newsom’s re-election campaign sent out a fundraising email telling supporters that “we’re going to need help keeping up with Caitlyn’s personal wealth and ability to raise money from right-wing donors.”
Jenner has brought on a handful of operatives who worked for former PresidentDonald Trump— though Jenner has taken pains to maintain she rescinded her support for Trump in 2018 due to his controversial anti-LGBTQ policies.
TheTimesreported that there are other noted Republicans in the mix: former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and former Rep. Doug Ose.
Cox, 65, unsuccessfully ran for Congress twice in addition to past failed campaigns for president and a county seat in Illinois.
Ric Grenell, the former U.S. ambassador to Germany under Trump,may also run.
Doug Ose.Rich Pedroncelli/AP/Shutterstock
Kevin Faulconer.David Yeh/NBCU/Getty
In July, conservative talk radio host Larry Elder announced that he, too,was entering the fray.
Speaking on his eponymous show on the Salem Radio Network, Elder, 69, said: “Maybe, just maybe, I can do something about this. The target is Gavin Newsom. It is time for this man to go.”
Elder also told his listeners that, though he has supported Trump in the past, he would run as his own candidate in the recall election.
“Gavin Newsom will not be running against Trump,'' he said. “I’m my own man.”
In a tweet posted in July, Elder wrote: “I’m a business owner, talk show host, author, and a son of California. I won’t continue to watch Gavin Newsom destroy our state. That’s why I am running for Governor of California in the recall election on September 14. Help me save this great state.”
Larry Elder.Greg Doherty/Getty
Perhaps the most colorful of the candidates are local celebrities Angelyne, a billboard model who gained fame in the 1980s, and Mary Carey, a retired porn actress. Both have run for governor in the past.
Carey ran against Schwarzenneger and then-Gov. Davis in 2003. Her campaignwebsitetouts that she “placed 10th out of a field of over 130 candidates” in that race.
“Last time I ran I was young, dumb and full of fun,” she said in a statement. “This time I have more experience and will not be taking this position laying down. I am ready to be on top!”
Mary Carey.Albert L. Ortega/Getty
Angelyne.Mcp/Shutterstock
Angelyne, who is known in Los Angeles for driving around a hot pink corvette,toldLos Angeles Magazinethat if she somehow won the election, she would continue to govern from her car instead of an office.
“I’ll still drive my car as the governor’s office on wheels,” Angelyne told the magazine. “People will be appointed to do things like put gas in my car. We’ll have a party and make a pretend governor and give everybody the option of being in power.”
When the reporter asked what “hot-button issues” she’d like to tackle if elected, Angelyne reportedly squealed and replied: “Hot button?! Ooh!”
source: people.com
