By Brian Brant
(LOS ANGELES) Gold-medal Olympic decathlete and reality television personality Caitlyn Jenner said Friday she will run for governor of California as a Republican, according to the Associated Press.
Jenner's announcement comes amid while Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom likely faces a recall election this year, although petitions are still being reviewed to see if there are enough signatures to qualify.
“I’m in,” Jenner said on her website announcing her run. “For the past decade, we have seen the glimmer of the Golden State reduced by one-party rule that places politics over progress and special interests over people. Sacramento needs an honest leader with a clear vision.”
Although other Republicans have announced their run for office, the 71-year-old transgender activist, who has described herself as “economically conservative, socially progressive", is likely to stand out.
Her run would come nearly twenty years after actor-turned- governor Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Republican, ascended to the governor's mansion during a 2003 recall election.
Jenner's bid comes weeks after news reports surfaced that Jenner was actively considering a run, backed by aides and allies of former President Donald Trump.