California Attorney General Rob Bonta will not run for governor

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he will not run for governor and said he will remain in his current role to continue legal actions challenging the Trump administration. He has sued the administration more than 50 times and said recent federal actions influenced his decision.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced he will not run for governor and said he intends to remain in his current post to continue legal actions against the federal government. He described his role as attorney general as giving him greater ability to protect California and challenge policies from the Trump administration. Bonta cited recent federal actions, including moves on Venezuela, attempts to block welfare funds, and a recent fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent, as factors in his choice. He has served as the state's top law enforcement official since his 2021 appointment. Key facts: - Bonta announced he would not run for governor and said he plans to seek reelection as attorney general. - The article reports Bonta's office has sued the Trump administration more than 50 times. - He cited federal actions on Venezuela, welfare funding, and a recent fatal shooting involving a federal immigration agent as influencing his decision. - The article notes questions about roughly $468,000 in campaign spending on legal advice and that Bonta returned $155,000 in donations tied to the Duong family, according to news reports. - The governor's race remains open; Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited and several potential Democratic candidates have declined to run. Summary: Bonta said he will remain as attorney general and pursue reelection while continuing legal challenges to the federal government. His decision removes a potential candidate from the wide-open governor's race and could influence how other candidates position themselves.