Let the next California parlor game begin: Who would replace Harris? [View all]

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Politico

— Secretary of State Alex Padilla: A longtime friend and early endorser of Newsom, widely liked in his party, Padilla, 47, may be a sure bet — and the ultimate history-making choice. California’s Secretary of State has been a high-profile Democratic voice, and a regular on cable TV, on key issues including vote-by-mail and the importance of the U.S. Census.

— Attorney General Xavier Becerra: Becerra, 62, has been the frontline of the “State of Resistance’’ opposition to Trump’s administration, having filed more than five dozen lawsuits to challenge the president on everything from sanctuary cities to water rights. "DC savvy, son of Mexican immigrants ... ready on Day One, husband of a doctor — and one of House leaders on the Affordable Care Act," and Los Angeles-based, Skelton said. But despite being Latino, being the top cop in California in a year when law enforcement abuses are in the spotlight could shave his chances.

— Rep. Karen Bass: High on Biden’s VP list, a longtime supporter and insider with Speaker Nancy Pelosi — who would almost certainly weigh in — Bass, 66, has already made history. The LA-area lawmaker was the first female African American Assembly speaker in California and the country.

— Lt. Governor Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis: Before becoming California’s first female lieutenant governor, Kounalakis, 54, was appointed by President Barack Obama to be ambassador to Hungary, the first Greek-American woman to hold such a diplomatic post. Kounalakis has deep experience in trade and immigration issues — as former chair of the California International Trade and Investment Advisory Council and as a fellow at the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research. The daughter of wealthy Sacramento-based developer Angelo Tsakopoulos, Kounalakis — herself former president of the AKT Development firm — has already expressed interest in moving up the political ladder and running for governor at the end of Newsom’s potential two terms in 2026.

— San Francisco Mayor London Breed: Mentored by Harris, Breed at 45 has already become one of America’s star female African American mayors. She’s got a riveting life story, growing up in San Francisco’s public housing, and she’s gotten kudos for tough handling of Covid-19 in her city, one of the first major cities to shut down. Representing a new generation of Democratic leaders, “she's tough and ... she's definitely a pro-business Democrat right who’s right in line with Gavin thinking," said San Francisco Democratic strategist Jim Stearns, who is currently advising state Senate candidate Jackie Fielder.