California Republican gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari won the high-powered endorsement of potential Republican presidential contender and ex-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who praised the former Treasury Department aide's focus on education and the economy.
"California needs a leader who will take on bold reforms that put students first," Bush wrote in a letter declaring his support, the
Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.
"Neel comes from a business background, but his passion is fostering more opportunity for California's children by empowering teachers and parents and unleashing the power of the market to create good jobs."
Bush added that "from his time in the private sector to his time in public service, Neel has demonstrated a unique ability to bring people together to achieve success in challenging circumstances."
"He is a principled man of action — not someone who simply leads from behind."
Kashkari has also snagged the support of 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former California Gov. Pete Wilson, and California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, the Times noted.
Bush was consulted by Kashkari as he worked up his education policy,
the Times reported. The candidate once served in the Treasury Department under President George W. Bush, Jeb Bush's brother.
The heavyweight support could help Kashkari gain some ground in his race against GOP Assemblyman Tim Donnelly in the June 3 primary, the newspaper noted. Incumbent Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to be the Democratic choice in the primary.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.