Three Democratic lawmakers make intentions for statewide office Twitterficial

Nothing is official until it’s on Twitter, which is why several Democrats today announced their candidacies for higher office Tuesday in the Twittersphere.

Treasurer John Chiang made it official that he would be running for governor after announcing he was “strongly leaning towards running” back in February. If these things matter, Chiang drew 81 retweets and 109 likes by 5 p.m.

It’s official. I have opened a committee to raise funds for Governor. Hope to count on your support! #chiang2018 https://t.co/Grg4hVxK33

— John Chiang (@JohnChiangCA) May 17, 2016

Chiang is the second high-profile Democrat to announce his intentions for the state’s most powerful position. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom filed his paperwork in February 2015 and has $5.4 million in his account. While that’s a formidable head start, especially more than two years from the election, Chiang could carry over $3.2 million from his treasurer’s account.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Los Angeles announced that he’d be running for Treasurer, drawing 15 retweets and 38 likes. Gatto had previously opened an account for lieutenant governor and is sitting on $2 million. 

I'm in! I will be a candidate for Treasurer in 2018.

— Mike Gatto (@mikegatto) May 17, 2016

Fiona Ma, the chairwoman of the Board of Equalization broke the news later in the day. So far, Gatto is winning in both Twitter activity and campaign funds, as Ma only received five retweets and four likes and has a modest half million in her Board of Equalization account. 

Proud to announce my run for State Treasurer in 2018. I hope you will endorse me & join the #MaSquad! Thank you! https://t.co/lItULwZTaK.

— Fiona Ma (@fionama) May 17, 2016