Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a staunch advocate for sanctuary city policies, announced on Sunday that he would not run for governor of California in 2018.
Instead, it appears the two-term mayor is gearing up for a prospective run at the presidency in 2020, or beyond, with the founding of a nonprofit he recently launched with several other mayors, union leaders and business executives called Accelerator for America, which is focused on investing in innovation.
Garcetti is scheduled to serve as mayor until 2022.
1/3 I have decided not to run for Governor of California. I am passionate about my city and my family; both are here in Los Angeles.
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) October 29, 2017
2/3 We have a lot of work left to do to build a stronger city, state, and nation and I know I can best build on our progress here in LA.
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) October 29, 2017
3/3 I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and continue the work we have started together. Oh yeah, and Go @Dodgers! –EG
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) October 29, 2017
“America’s cities are here, with all due respect, to help save D.C. We’ve all seen so many panels and plans and promises, but what we’re missing is quick action,” Garcetti said, according to Politico.
Accelerator for America will reportedly hold its first meeting Nov. 7 and 8 in South Bend, Indiana. The event will coincide with the one-year-anniversary of the 2016 presidential election. The second meeting will reportedly occur in February, in Columbia, South Carolina.
According to Politico, Garcetti said he plans to open November’s meeting by listing three objectives: “helping Americans build their future,” “helping Americans find their dreams,” and “helping Americans live well.”
Garcetti will chair the soon-to-be 501(c)3’s advisory board,which includes all Democrats so far — although Politico notes plans to add Republicans soon.
Progressive South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who reportedly helped develop the concept for Accelerator for America with Garcetti, will also serve on the advisory board.
Prospective presidential candidates often launch PACs ahead of making any major announcements. PACs and Super PACs allow candidates to receive far more — and sometimes unlimited — donations to be used towards their campaigns.
In February, former President Barack Obama endorsed Garcetti for reelection to a second term. In March he won reelection in a landslide.
Garcetti has proven to be a devoted left-wing mayor. Aside from the 2028 Olympics, however, he has not been seen to achieve much for the city.
In March, he released a new set of protections for illegal aliens — including Los Angeles Executive Directive 20 , defying President Donald Trump’s crackdown on non merit-based, or illegal, immigration.
In May, Garcetti promised to defend his “sanctuary city” policy against President Trump, after the administration said it would cut funds to cities that defied federal law.
Adelle Nazarian is a politics and national security reporter for Breitbart News. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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