Kounalakis for a second-term launching pad

Despite its lofty title, California’s lieutenant governor is not a glamorous role.

As second in command to the governor, the lieutenant governors sit on boards and commissions, voting and advising but never actually drafting policy. They do take over the responsibilities when the governor leaves California, though any major decisions made during that absence can be reversed.

Being edgy, controversial or in conflict with the governor can make for a rough time in office. And in this regard, incumbent Eleni Kounalakis, who is seeking a second term, shines. Careful not to walk into uncharted territory during our endorsement interview, her strongest views — on reproductive rights, access to education and building housing — are all things she shares with Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Kounalakis has few opponents this race. There are Republicans David Fennell, Angela Underwood Jacobs and Clint Saunders. There’s also Peace and Freedom Party candidate Mohammad Arif, who in an interview with the editorial board, slammed the Democratic Party for not doing more to help low-income residents of California.

As for which of the candidates we feel most comfortable being a heartbeat away from the governorship, that would certainly be Kounalakis. As such, she has earned our endorsement. And while it may not be the most exciting role, it’s not an unimportant one — namely because of the potential launching pad it can provide for higher office. It’s one step away from the governor’s seat in more ways than one; Newsom held the role for eight years before successfully running for his current seat.

Kounalakis has similar ambitions.

There’s been talk for years that Newsom will run for president in 2024 if Biden were to forgo a second term. Or, term limits will push Newsom out of office in four years, assuming he wins in November, giving Kounalakis time to build support and define her platform.

Our conversation with Kounalakis gave only a few hints as to what that gubernatorial platform would be. But insights she shared from her 18-year career as a housing developer shed some light. She’s supported state Sen. Scott Wiener’s efforts to build more housing near transit, but added that “infill alone is not going to solve this crisis.” She proposed looking beyond existing cities by adding greater density to exurban areas that aren’t as developed as their zoning capacity allows for. When quizzed about the California Environmental Quality Act, she said she believes it needs reform, but not legislatively.

The next few years will be a challenge for Kounalakis; she’ll have to walk a fine line, staying true to the governor’s platform, while finally carving out one of her own.