Toni Atkins gains key endorsements ahead of Harris opting out of gubernatorial race

Toni Atkins, a longtime leader in San Diego and across the state, has clutched key endorsements for her gubernatorial candidacy as she fights for a spot in the race.

She first became the director of clinic services at San Diego’s Womancare Health Center and from there she moved to City Hall, becoming a member of the San Diego City Council in 2000. She moved on to the state Assembly, then was elected to the state senate in 2016.

A year later, she became the first woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as the Senate President pro Tempore.

Now, she’s aiming for governor, with the endorsement of top state leaders.

Atkins is up against a slew of other candidates in the race, which will be decided more than a year from now. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is currently serving his second term and is not eligible to run for the office again, which opens the race up without an incumbent.

“Toni Atkins is the real deal. Her motivation is doing good for people and building stronger communities,” said current Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire in a statement.

“She’s relentless in her pursuit to expand affordable housing, lower costs for all Californians and no one brings people together like she does.”

Endorsers currently serving in political office include state senators Scott Wiener, Caroline Menjivar, John Laird, and assemblymembers LaShae Sharp-Collins, of La Mesa, and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who is currently the assembly majority leader.

Former senators Susan Eggman and Richard Roth also have endorsed Atkins.

A poll conducted earlier this month by UC Irvine showed the majority of those surveyed polling as “not sure yet,” but second to that was former Vice President Kamala Harris with support from 24% of those surveyed.

Harris never threw her hat in the ring, but she also never ruled out running, until Wednesday afternoon, when she officially announced across social media platforms that she would not be entering the gubernatorial race. 

“In recent months, I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home. But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor this election,” Harris wrote in her statement. 

The UC Irvine poll didn’t specifically include Atkins, but the “other category” was polling at 1%. The highest polling candidates behind Harris were Rick Caruso, a Republican polling at 9% and Katie Porter, a Democrat polling at 6%.

Harris’ withdrawal could shake up the next poll, potentially granting Atkins the opportunity to move up, especially combined with the recent endorsements.

“From day one, this campaign has been about California’s future — tackling rising costs, defending our freedoms, and standing up for communities too often left behind. Vice President Harris has made her decision, and I thank her for her decades of service to our state and country,” Atkins said in a statement following Harris’ announcement.

“The mission hasn’t changed. This is a campaign built to lead, built to win, and built to fight for every Californian, in every zip code. Our path to victory is clear, and I’m ready to lead on day one as Governor of California,” she said.