Tim Myers, a founding member of the band OneRepublic, will pivot from his run for Congress to campaign in California’s lieutenant governor race instead, entering a crowded field of candidates for a steppingstone job with little established political power.
“Tim is running for Lt. Governor to fix a broken political system dominated by career politicians and special interests and rigged against the working class,” his campaign said in an announcement.
The No. 2 position in California state government carries little official power but is traditionally seen as a steppingstone to the governorship. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) served as lieutenant governor for eight years until 2019, and current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (D) is mounting her own bid for the top job.
California is no stranger to celebrities campaigning for political office. Arnold Schwarzenegger served nearly eight years in Sacramento as California’s governor.
Myers, a Democrat, previously announced that he would run against Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), who represents a district in the state’s Inland Empire. The website for Myers’s congressional campaign is now inactive, although his campaign committee remains open. Myers left OneRepublic in 2007.
“He’ll bring a fresh, strong voice to the Lt. Governor’s office to fight back against the Trump administration’s attacks, take on the rigged system with commonsense solutions, and ensure every Californian has the opportunity to chase their dreams, can afford to make a living here, and feels safe,” the musician’s lieutenant gubernatorial announcement read.
Current candidates in the race include state Treasurer Fiona Ma, Newsom adviser Josh Fryday and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, all of whom are Democrats.
The top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.
Updated at 7:01 p.m. EDT
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