In the race for California's gubernatorial seat, the political landscape is heating up.
Steve Hilton, a leading candidate, is currently polling at 19 percent, closely followed by former congresswoman Katie Porter at 18 percent. This information is based on a recent statewide poll conducted by Stack Data Strategy, which has positioned Hilton as the top contender to replace Governor Gavin Newsom.
According to RedState, Hilton's understanding of California's major issues sets him apart, making him a potential upgrade over the current governor. However, other Democrats, including California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Porter, are unlikely to challenge Kamala Harris if she decides to join the race.
This could lead to a reshuffling of the deck, with these candidates stepping aside to clear the path for Harris to secure a top-two finish in the primary election, thereby advancing to the general election against Hilton or another leading GOP candidate.
When asked about Harris's potential entry into the gubernatorial race, her former mentor and ex-boyfriend Willie Brown offered his perspective. "I do think people running for public office really ought to fit eventually where they are trying to land at. And I really do, hope, frankly, that [Harris] comes to that reality, Brown said during a conversation with State of Gold podcast host Jon Slavet. He further speculated that Harris might not be keen on running for governor, and winning the position could prove challenging for her.
Brown also mentioned another potential candidate who could garner support from both Democrats and Republicans - real estate developer Rick Caruso. Theres just so many really talented people thinking about that job, Brown said, highlighting Caruso's "great executive potential."
He emphasized that for Harris to successfully lead California, she would need to run it like a business, a skill Caruso possesses. This is the primary reason why individuals from all parties have been encouraging Caruso to run for governor.
However, if Caruso decides to run for mayor of Los Angeles again, Hilton remains a strong candidate due to his understanding of the legislative process and realistic expectations of what he can achieve as governor.
Despite his reservations, Brown commended Harris, stating, She is bold enough, tough enough, and well-informed enough that if she would utilize that talent, she would not need a person like me giving her advice, period. She would be doing what needs to be done.
The anticipation surrounding Harris's decision, expected by the end of the summer, has caused a lull in donations for other Democratic candidates. Meanwhile, leading GOP candidates, Hilton and Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, have been actively engaging with voters across the state, discussing the issues they want to see addressed.
The unfolding political drama in California is a testament to the dynamic nature of politics. As the race for the governor's seat intensifies, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious, shaping the state's future in the process.
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