Actor and former Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday said gubernatorial candidate Caitlyn Jenner has as much chance as anyone to win in the state’s upcoming recall election.
“Anyone has a chance because I think that the people are dissatisfied with what is going on here in California,” Schwarzenegger told late night host Jimmy Kimmel regarding his thoughts on Jenner. “And I hope as many people as possible are jumping into the race and going for it.”
Schwarzenegger remembered that when he ran for the office in 2003, there were more than 150 candidates vying for the job, which he described as “a huge circus.” He predicted 100 more candidates would come forward before it was over.
“It was kind of fun to run for governor at the time, and it will be fun this time too for everybody,” Schwarzenegger continued. “The key thing about all 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 are the kind of changes you want to make? And why are you qualified to become governor?”
“I think the thing Caitlyn knows for sure is the changes she wants to make — because she made some real big changes,” Kimmel replied.
Schwarzenegger refused to comment on whether he has talked with Jenner about the campaign, explaining he is friends with both Jenner and Democratic California Gavin Newsom, who faces a near-certain recall after a petition reached 1.6 million verified signatures Monday.
“I have the utmost respect for her,” Schwarzenegger said of Jenner. “But I am also very good friends with Governor Newsom, and I am good friends with other people who have contacted me and asked for advice about running or not running.”
WATCH (relevant portion begins at 3:35):
As The Daily Wire reported last Friday regarding Jenner joining the race:
“California has been my home for nearly 50 years,” Jenner said in a statement. “I came here because I knew that anyone, regardless of their background or station in life, could turn their dreams into a reality. But for the past decade, we have seen the glimmer of the Golden State reduced by one-party rule that places politics over progress and special interests over people. Sacramento needs an honest leader with a clear vision.”
Jenner went on to list bona fides ranging from winning the gold medal at the Olympics to advancing equality for transgender people, adding, “I am a proven winner and the only outsider who can put an end to Gavin Newsom’s disastrous time as governor.”
Jenner highlighted high taxes and the consequences of the state’s “over-restrictive lockdown” as examples of Newsom’s failed leadership.
“This isn’t the California we know. This is Gavin Newsom’s California, where he orders us to stay home but goes out to dinner with his lobbyist friends,” said Jenner, referencing Newsom getting caught dining with friends indoors without masks at The French Laundry, an opulent Napa Valley restaurant that charges $1,200 per person for a white truffle and caviar dinner.
Related: Gov. Gavin Newsom Recall Moves Forward After Petition Reaches 1.6 Million Verified Signatures