Former reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner is talking with political consultants as she actively explores a run for governor of California, three sources with direct knowledge of her deliberations tell Axios.
Why it matters: Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is facing a recall election. A challenge from Jenner, a high-profile Republican and previous Trump supporter, would draw heightened attention to the race to lead the nation's most populous state.
- Jenner is being assisted in her consideration by Caroline Wren, a longtime GOP fundraiser.
- Wren previously worked at Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee for President Trump's 2020 campaign, and also helped organize the rally he addressed immediately before the U.S. Capitol assault on Jan. 6.
- A spokesman for Jenner declined to comment. Wren also declined to comment.
Jenner burst onto the national stage when she won the 1976 Olympic decathlon. She transitioned to a woman in 2015 and adopted her new name.
- She had returned to the public spotlight several years earlier in the reality show “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” which chronicled the life of the blended family into which she married in 1991.
Republicans have launched a recall campaign against Newsom, angry about his immigration and tax policies. The effort gained momentum amid added criticism of the governor's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
- In 2003, California Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat, faced a similar effort.
- He was recalled and replaced by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former bodybuilder and star of the "Terminator" movie series.