California Attorney General Rob Bonta Announces Decision Not to Run for Governor
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Sunday that he will not be running for governor, citing his commitment to combating the Trump administration’s policies as the state’s top prosecutor. Bonta emphasized that his role as Attorney General provides him with greater power to fight against President Trump’s policies, which have disproportionately impacted Californians. He stated, “In this moment, my place is here, on the front lines, in the trenches, serving as a bulwark, creating a protection around our state and our people, our values and our progress in the face of these vicious, inhumane, unlawful, cruel attacks from the Trump administration.”
Bonta’s Decision and Its Implications
Bonta’s decision not to run for governor comes after he had previously considered it and had even been encouraged by labor unions and business leaders to enter the race. However, he ultimately decided that his current role as Attorney General allows him to have a greater impact in fighting against the Trump administration’s policies. Bonta has sued the Trump administration over 50 times, a track record that would have likely served him well in a gubernatorial campaign. The race for California governor remains wide open, with current Governor Gavin Newsom serving his final term and being barred from running again due to term limits.
Bonta’s announcement was first reported by Politico on Sunday, and he has stated that he has no immediate plans to endorse a candidate. He did mention that he thinks he could have been a game-changer in the race and that he would have consolidated a lot of support. The current field of candidates includes former Rep. Katie Porter, who had initially been leading in polls but faced setbacks after videos emerged of her screaming at an aide and berating a reporter. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, has also been gaining traction in the polls.
Bonta’s Background and Experience
Rob Bonta is a 53-year-old former state lawmaker and close political ally to Governor Gavin Newsom. He has served as the state’s top law enforcement official since Newsom appointed him to the position in 2021. Bonta was born in Quezon City, Philippines, in 1972, to civil rights activists Warren Bonta and Cynthia Bonta. He immigrated to California with his family as an infant and grew up to become the first Filipino American to serve in California’s Legislature. Bonta pursued a string of criminal justice reforms and developed a record as one of the body’s most liberal members.
Bonta is married to Assemblywoman Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), who succeeded him in the state Assembly, and the couple has three children. He has faced questions in recent months about spending campaign funds on legal advice related to an alleged corruption scheme involving former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. Bonta has since returned $155,000 in campaign contributions from the Duong family, who were involved in the alleged scheme.
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