The New York Times included Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on the list of possible presidential candidates, but rumors abound in California that he really wants to be governor.
What’s he really up to?
Garcetti won’t confirm anything, but he isn’t ready to deny anything, either.
Fresh off his speech in Washington D.C. to some of the nation’s top Democratic leaders, Garcetti is scheduled to be in Sacramento Saturday to address the California Democratic Party Convention.
Garcetti delivered the opening remarks at the Center for American Progress’ 2017 Ideas Conference on Tuesday, where he issued a warning to progressive leaders about getting caught up in opposition to President Donald Trump and forgetting to craft their own message.
Garcetti’s speeches this week come amid much speculation about his political future.
After recently being elected to a second term with more than 81 percent of the vote, Garcetti has been rumored to be considering a run for governor in 2018. The New York Times also recently speculated that Garcetti could be considering a run for president.
Garcetti has brushed aside any speculation about his future, but has also not ruled anything out.
“We really can’t comment on speculation on tea leaves that other people are reading,” said Yusef Robb, who served as a spokesman for Garcetti’s re- election campaign, told City News Service earlier this month in response to The New York Times article.
“Mayor Garcetti is squarely focused on being chief executive of the greatest city in America.”
The convention is being held at the Sacramento Convention Center from Friday through Sunday.
Other scheduled speakers include the party’s four declared candidates for governor — state Treasurer John Chiang, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
The agenda also includes speeches from Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, and Rep. Adam Schiff, D- Burbank.
—City News Service