Ex-ambassador launches lieutenant governor bid

Eleni Kounalakis, a former U.S. ambassador to Hungary and a Hillary Clinton fundraiser, on Monday officially announced her bid for lieutenant governor of California. Kounalakis, a Democrat from San Francisco, was appointed as an ambassador by President Obama.

The race includes Azusa state Sen. Ed Hernandez and Los Angeles physician Asif Mahmood, both Democrats. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León has filed an intention to run, but it’s unclear whether he’ll join the race. Multiple Republicans have also declared interest in running for the seat.