Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder announced Monday that he is running in California’s recall election as a Republican.
The story: Elder announced his bid in the latest episode of his radio program “The Larry Elder Show.” He previously said he was considering a run.
Elder is joining a long list of Republican candidates that includes businessmen John Cox, former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer, former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, state Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, and former Rep. Doug Ose.
The recall election is scheduled to take place on Sep. 14.
“I’m running for governor because the decline of California isn’t the fault of its people,” Elder said in a statement on his campaign website.
“Our government is what’s ruining the Golden State. Our schools are closed to both students and their parents. Our streets aren’t safe from rising violent crime or the disaster of rising homelessness. And the scandals of Sacramento aren’t going to stop on their own. It’s time to tell the truth. We’ve got a state to save,” he added.
What he saying: Elder said that he initially scoffed at the idea of entering the recall race in California but decided to launch a bid after more people suggested he runs, Newsweek reports.
“The more I thought about it and the more egregious the behavior of Gavin Newsom was as he sits there with the very people that drafted the coronavirus outline at The French Laundry … it’s egregious… Maybe just maybe I can do something about it,” he said.
He told the Associated Press that Newsom’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the homeless crisis, and rising crime rates are part of the reasons he decided to join the race.
“I have common sense. I have good judgment. I’m born and raised here. I think I understand the state,” he said. “I know it’s a long shot.”
Elder also suggested that he is not worried about other candidates.
“I think this is a race between Gavin Newsom and me. I don’t think about the other candidates,” Elder said.
Newsom’s response: The governor’s campaign spokesman Dan Newman said the radio host was just “another Trump supporter” who’s looking to reply on the former president’s voters.
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