Toni Atkins, the San Diego Democrat who is the first woman to lead both chambers of the California state legislature, has announced her bid to be the next governor of the Golden State. Atkins, who first cut her political teeth on the San Diego City Council, made her gubernatorial ambitions known before supporters and political leaders at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Addressing a crowd gathered in Balboa Park, Atkins declared, "I am ready to be Governor." Her announcement was underscored by a pledge to serve Californians grappling with day-to-day struggles. "It’s never been my ambition to be Governor. But it is my intention to serve as Governor," Atkins stated, as reported by the Times of San Diego. Implicit in her statement was a vision of leadership grounded not in personal aspiration but communal service.
With her candidacy, Atkins aims not just for a gubernatorial seat but for history books, eyeing to become California's first female governor - a notion reinforced by her post, "This campaign is about making history. It is about the future. And it is about time!" A post that further amplifies her intent to be a governor for all Californians, striving to help them achieve the California dream (Toni Atkins on X).
I'm running for Governor of California to help others achieve the California Dream.
— Toni G. Atkins (@toniatkins) January 19, 2024
This campaign is about making history. It is about the future. And it is about time!
Join us: https://t.co/ThvHekYhNA pic.twitter.com/76UWCaia2a
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber endorsed Atkins' bid, lauding her experience and leadership as befitting California's global stature. "California is more than just an state," Weber said. "We’re picking a person who stands before the nation and the world representing the largest population in the United States — the fourth largest economy in the world." Weber's commendation was not short of personal admiration, asserting, "Toni Atkins has pushed more of us to become the doers and the dreamers of the state than any other person," as per comments made in the Times of San Diego article.
Atkins is no stranger to the governor's office, having filled the role on an interim basis, most recently signing three bills into law while acting as governor – another historical first for a woman in her position, according to KRON4. Having represented Senate District 39 which includes parts of San Diego County, Atkins sets her sights to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2026 election, when he will be termed out.
Atkins faces competition from within her own party ranks, as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond have announced their candidacy. Attorney General Rob Bonta is also mooted as a potential candidate. Nevertheless, Atkins forges ahead, her campaign embodying a living narrative of service and representation for marginalized communities striving for recognition in the tapestry of Californian politics and beyond.
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