FILE - In this May 12, 2021, file photo, Kevin Faulconer, a Republican candidate for California governor, speaks during a news conference, in Downey, Calif. Faulconer was twice elected mayor of Democratic-leaning San Diego and left office last year. He was an early entrant in the recall race and has long been seen as a potential statewide candidate, given his centrist credentials in strongly Democratic California. Michael R. Blood - staff, AP