San Francisco, CA — Former State Senator Sheila Kuehl (Santa Monica), a longtime leader in the effort for universal health care and the rights of the LGBT community, has endorsed Mayor Gavin Newsom for governor, the Newsom campaign announced today. First elected to the State Assembly in 1994, Kuehl was the first openly gay elected state official in California. She later served as Speaker pro tempore from 1997 to 1998, the first woman to hold the position in California history.
“In Gavin Newsom, I see a leader who has taken courageous stands to protect the rights of all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation,” said Kuehl. “And Gavin’s success in providing access to health care for all San Franciscans is the kind of leadership we need to see in Sacramento if we’re to achieve universal health care in California.”
“I am humbled to have Sheila’s support,” Mayor Newsom said. “She’s been a true trailblazer in this state, working tirelessly on behalf of the LGBT community. Her efforts to bring health care reform to California have been inspiring to me, and I look forward to building upon her groundwork.”
Kuehl’s endorsement comes on the heels of Newsom for California’s announcement that former President Clinton will join Mayor Newsom for events in Los Angeles next month. Seems like the “front runner” status has shifted, is it now Gavin Newsom’s to lose?