SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat best known for his aggressive support of same-sex marriage, launched an exploratory committee this week to consider a 2010 run for governor.
Newsom, 40, is the first Democrat to make a formal move toward replacing Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “He's taking the steps to put together the type of operation that can analyze the race in 2010 and make an informed decision,” said Newsom consultant Eric Jaye.
Newsom is seeking to jump ahead of what many expect will be a crowded Democratic field in 2010. He can use the committee to solicit donations in $24,100 increments, establishing a war chest 23 months before the Democratic primary for governor.
He's known for his 2004 decision to allow San Francisco to perform same-sex marriage. The state Supreme Court in May overturned a state law banning same-sex marriage, and voters will decide on a constitutional amendment on the subject in November.
As mayor, Newsom also pursued universal health care for 82,000 uninsured San Francisco residents and sought to change the way the city delivers homeless services.
“He's pretty hot,” said longtime Democratic consultant Bill Carrick. “Contrary to the conventional wisdom of the time, this gay marriage thing has given him a big profile and a support base across the state.”
Carrick said he expects at least six Democratic candidates in the 2010 race: Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, Attorney General Jerry Brown, former state Controller Steve Westly and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell.
Carrick, who helped U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein move from San Francisco politics to statewide office, noted that San Francisco mayors have a stronger statewide support base among Democrats than Los Angeles mayors. The city is generally viewed positively by the region, he said, while Los Angeles is viewed negatively by others in Southern California.
Newsom was resoundingly re-elected in 2007 with token opposition, but he hasn't sailed through his tenure as San Francisco mayor.
Early in 2007, he confessed to having an affair with the wife of his deputy chief of staff. A week later, Newsom admitted a drinking problem and sought treatment, while maintaining his duties as mayor.
On the Republican side, first-term Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is widely expected to run. Meg Whitman, the former eBay CEO and adviser to Sen. John McCain, is also considering a run.
