Caitlyn Jenner announces run for California Governor

Jenner's lengthy open letter reads, in part, as follows: 

"I have been a compassionate disruptor throughout my life, from representing the United States and winning a gold medal at the Olympics to helping advance the movement for equality. As Californians, we face a now-or-never opportunity to fundamentally fix our state before it's too late. Taking on entrenched Sacramento politicians and the special interests that fund them requires a fighter who isn't afraid to do what is right. I am a proven winner and the only outsider who can put an end to Gavin Newsom's disastrous time as governor."

Born Bruce Jenner in 1949, the former athlete triumphed in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympic Games. In 1991, Jenner married Kris Kardashian and subsequently became an inescapable reality television personality once E! debuted Keeping Up With The Kardashians in 2007. The couple divorced in December 2013. Then-Bruce came out as transgender during an interview with Diane Sawyer in April 2015. 

As for Newsom, the 53-year-old Democrat was elected as California's governor in November 2018. He had previously served as mayor of San Francisco and the state's lieutenant governor.

"The move comes as vocal segments of her party are pushing dozens of bills to curtail rights for transgender people across the nation," explained Seema Mehta of The Los Angeles Times. "The effort to recall Newsom is expected to qualify for the ballot soon, with an election in the fall. Other Republicans who are running include former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, former Rep. Doug Ose and businessman John Cox."

Jenner noted at the end of her release that "a formal announcement" of her candidacy is "to follow in the coming weeks."