Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as California's governor in October 2003 as the result of a recall effort against then-Governor Gray Davis, and Caitlyn Jenner is looking to repeat history as another Hollywood figure using a recall election to infiltrate the state's political arena.
Monday, a recall election against Governor Gavin Newsom was verified:
NEW: It’s official. With over 1.6 million verified signatures collected, the California Secretary of State announces the recall effort of Governor Newsom has qualified to go to go on the ballot later this year.
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) April 26, 2021
And during Monday night's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Schwarzenegger shared his thoughts on the validity of Jenner's gubernatorial campaign:
"Anyone has a chance because I think that the people are dissatisfied with what's going on here in California, and I hope that as many people as possible are jumping into the race and going for it. Because, remember, when I was in the recall election, there were 150 candidates there. And it was a huge circus. It was kind of fun to run for governor at that time, and it will be fun this time, too, for everybody.
"They key thing about all of this is—it doesn't matter if it's Caitlyn or if it's anyone else—to have a clear vision of where you want to go, what kind of changes you want to make and why are you qualified to become governor. That's what you have to convince the people. All the other stuff is all nonsense."
The 73-year-old wouldn't disclose whether Jenner has reached out to him, but he did predict that "another 100 candidates" will announce their runs for governor.
Jenner announced she had filed the appropriate paperwork for her bid last Friday (April 23) and noted a formal announcement to be forthcoming:
I’m in! California is worth fighting for. Visit https://t.co/a1SfOAMZQ3 to follow or donate today. #RecallNewsom pic.twitter.com/9yCck3KK4D
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) April 23, 2021
The 71-year-old reiterated her commitment Monday:
Recall certified ✔️ game on @GavinNewsom I am fighting for you, California. Formal announcement to come soon - get on the list of our supporters! https://t.co/gCObnM7S0C https://t.co/SWw6Xua5Da
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) April 27, 2021
Schwarzenegger, who also commented on California's political state during a Politico interview earlier this month, served as governor until 2011. Newsom was elected in 2018 and took over for Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown (2011-19).
Watch the full Kimmel interview below, which also includes an admission to working out while high:
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