Jane Fonda mulled run in California recall election: report

Actress Jane Fonda explored a run in California’s recall election to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), according to the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Sources close to Fonda said there were discussions earlier this summer about putting up a progressive candidate to replace Newsom after liberals voiced displeasure toward the governor, according to the outlet.

Fonda has gained attention in recent years after issuing repeated criticism about former President Trump and her “fire drill Fridays,” events she organized to bring attention to the need to address climate change. 

Fonda was arrested several times in Washington, D.C., as a result of her demonstrations. The actress also took part in 2016 demonstrations against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. 

However, Fonda did not become an activist in the last five years. In the 1960s, the actress and daughter of actor Henry Fonda protested against the Vietnam War and was arrested and jailed as a result of her actions. 

Fonda ultimately did not file the paperwork to launch a bid before the deadline passed, and now says she wholeheartedly supports Newsom, the Chronicle noted. 

Newsom is facing a recall election on Sept. 14 after a yearlong signature-gathering effort by his critics to oust him from office. The recall campaign gained traction due to the governor’s early handling of the coronavirus pandemic in his state, after Newsom imposed restrictions on gatherings and businesses.

A photo of him eating at a restaurant indoors in November when he was discouraging such gatherings in California sparked a vehement backlash.