Gloria Romero Announces Run for California Lieutenant Governor
Gloria Romero, a former Democrat and state Senate Majority Leader, has announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor as part of a ticket with GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator. Romero’s decision to run marks a significant shift in her political career, as she was once a lifelong Democrat and co-chaired President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign in California.
Romero’s departure from the Democratic party was largely due to her disagreements with the party’s stance on education reform, particularly her support for school choice. She became a registered Republican in September 2024, after what she calls a “political coup” to oust President Biden as the Democratic nominee. Romero has since endorsed President Trump and spoken at a rally supporting him near Coachella.
Romero’s Experience and Expertise
Romero served in the state Senate and Assembly for approximately 12 years, including three years as the state Senate’s first female majority leader. Her expertise in the state Capitol is among the reasons Hilton selected her as his running mate. Romero’s experience and knowledge of the legislative process will be invaluable in helping Hilton navigate the complexities of Sacramento politics.
Hilton praised Romero’s ability to understand how Sacramento works and her relationships with lawmakers. “She’s been incredibly helpful already, helping me understand how Sacramento works and doesn’t work,” Hilton said. “When I’m the governor, I will have to work with the legislature. And one of the most important things that I see as a real benefit from having Gloria there with me is that she’s not just been in the legislature, she’s led one of the chambers.”
A New Era for California Politics
Romero’s candidacy marks a new era for California politics, as she seeks to bring about change and accountability to the state’s government. “At the end of the day, it’s really about one-party rule in Sacramento. I’ve seen it. I left it,” Romero said in an interview. “We’ve got to make a change, otherwise we will never turn around on accountability or affordability and fight for working families like the Democrats once said the party stood for.”
Romero’s passion for education and her desire to turn around the state’s education system are key aspects of her campaign. As lieutenant governor, she would have a seat on the boards that oversee the University of California, California State University, and community college systems. “Education and turning around education, it’s in my blood, it’s in my dreams. It’s my passion,” Romero said.
Other candidates running for lieutenant governor include Treasurer Fiona Ma, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, and Josh Fryday, a member of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s cabinet, all Democrats, and state Sen. Brian Jones (R-Santee). Romero’s candidacy is seen as a significant challenge to the Democratic establishment in California.
For more information on Gloria Romero’s candidacy and her vision for California, visit Here
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