Political observers have long thought Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom would run for governor and now Newsom has made it official. He announced via Facebook he's formed a committee to run for Governor, which means he can start raising money for the race.
Acknowledging the election is still several years out, Newsom says he's never been a fan of "pretense or procrastination." And in a state so large he says the reality of running for Governor means he has to start raising money now.
Newsom was recently elected to his second term as Lt. Governor. He says he’ll continue in that role "unabated" as he runs for California’s top job.
(AP) — California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will begin raising money to run for California governor in 2018.
In a written announcement Wednesday, the Democrat says he passionately believes "in the future of this great state."
The former mayor of San Francisco has been a controversial national figure since 2004 when he ordered the San Francisco city clerk in 2004 to ignore state law at the time and issue marriage licenses to gay couples.
Newsom has long wanted to be governor, and his announcement last month that he would not pursue a U.S. Senate seat created anticipation he would seek the state's top post.
He was re-elected to a second four-year term as lieutenant governor in November.
Newsom says that although California has reigned in its finances, the state has long-term challenges to create private-sector jobs and keep college affordable.
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