Tech. billionaire Peter Thiel mulling run for Calif. governor: report

Silicon Valley billionaire and Donald Trump supporter Peter Thiel is mulling a run for governor of California in 2018, Politico reported Saturday.

According to the report, Thiel is already consulting a small circle of advisers including Rob Morrow, who has worked at the Bay-area investment management firm and hedge fund started by Thiel.

However, those talking with Thiel about a run are skeptical the PayPal co-founder will actually enter the race, Politico reported. For one, California is a blue state where Trump won just over 30 percent of the vote.

{mosads}Earlier this week, Thiel gave a rare interview to The New York Times, explaining his political views and support for Trump. He sits on the executive committee for the presidential transition team.

Thiel has, according to public filings, contributed more than $8.5 million to federal candidates and committees since 2000. He is also close with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the most powerful California Republican.

Other high profile Democrats have launched campaigns to take Gov. Jerry Brown’s (D) place, including former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang.