Mel Gibson leads poll but confirms no gubernatorial bid
The Hollywood actor and director has emerged as a popular Republican candidate for California governor in a recent poll. While he appreciates the trust of potential voters, he has no intention of running.
A source close to Gibson told TMZ that he is "flattered" by the favourable poll result, in which he gained 12 percent of the vote from 2,640 respondents, making him the leading Republican candidate. However, it will not happen.
It is worth remembering that another actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, became the governor of California in 2003. As a Republican, he served two terms, focusing on economic issues, climate reform, and infrastructure. Despite initial scepticism about his candidacy, he gained significant popularity due to his image as a tough leader and his ability to work across party lines.
TMZ reports that Mel Gibson has never had political ambitions, and this remains unchanged, even if some voters appreciate his criticism of the current Democratic government at state and local levels.
Mel Gibson versus Democrats
Gibson does not conceal his views, which he expresses freely. Along with many Los Angeles residents, he sharply criticised Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their response to the tragic January fires. The star was among those who lost their homes.
Gibson was also extremely critical of Kamala Harris when she ran against Trump in the presidential election. Last autumn, he bluntly told TMZ that, in his opinion, she has "the IQ of a fence post."
A supporter of Trump
When Trump became president, one of his first moves was to appoint Gibson, along with Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, as the new Special Ambassadors for Hollywood.
"It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California. They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries back - greater, better, and stronger than ever before. These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!" said the Republican politician at the time.
Recently, there was a story about a lawyer who lost her job the day after she refused to issue the actor a gun permit. Gibson had lost his gun permit in 2011 following a conviction for domestic violence.
