Sen. Alex Padilla says he won’t run for California governor
WASHINGTON— U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor of California next year, ending months of speculation that the Democrat might run to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“I am choosing with all my heart and more commitment than ever not to run for governor of California next year,” Padilla told reporters outside his Senate office in Washington.
Padilla said he would instead focus on countering President Trump’s agenda in Congress.
“I’m not just choosing to stay in the Senate. I’m choosing to stay in this fight because the constitution is worth fighting for. Our fundamental rights are worth fighting for. Our core values are worth fighting for. The American dream is worth fighting for,” he said.
Padilla said he came to this decision after the “overwhelming support” and encouragement he received to run for governor over the past two months.
“I have tried to do my part in fighting these attacks both in Washington and in California,” he said. “These are not normal times,” Padilla said. “We deserve better than this.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
