Republican leader endorses Lagunan for governor

California’s Senate Republican leader has endorsed a Laguna Beach resident’s run for governor, according to a news release.

Bob Huff, who represents the 29th Senate District that covers parts of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, announced his support for Republican Neel Kashkari, who is hoping to unseat Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.

“Neel Kashkari is a fiscal conservative with the experience and the bold ideas we need to restore California’s economy, fix our schools and get our state back on track — and that’s why I’m endorsing him today,” Huff said in the release sent out last week.

Kashkari announced his candidacy in January with a platform focused on jobs and education. He recently unveiled his jobs plan, “Rebuilding the Middle Class,” which champions 10 reforms that will unleash the private sector to put Californians back to work.

“I am honored to earn the support of such a dedicated leader who has devoted his career in public service to improving California’s education system and streamlining government in a way that fosters private-sector job growth,” Kashkari said in the release.

Huff has had legislation signed into law guaranteeing more funding for public charter schools and advocated school choice for parents and students, according to his website.

A first-generation American whose parents emigrated from India 50 years ago, Kashkari grew up in a middle-class household outside of Akron, Ohio.

He moved to California in 1998 to work as an aerospace engineer at TRW in Redondo Beach. Kashkari is best known for spearheading the country’s response to the 2008 financial crisis, during which he negotiated with congressional leaders from both parties to write and pass legislation to prevent a widespread economic collapse, according to the release.

The program Kashkari implemented not only has recouped all the money spent, but also has made a $13-billion profit for taxpayers to date.

Kashkari’s competition for the Republican nomination includes Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) and Laguna Hills Mayor Andrew Blount.

California’s primary is June 3 and the general election is Nov. 4.