L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti’s east coast trip is raising speculation that he’s planning to run for president in 2020.
Garcetti spent Sunday at a cocktail party in the Hamptons with billionaire businessman Ronald Perelman. Today, he’s campaigning in New Hampshire for Democratic mayoral candidate Joyce Craig.
If he were to run, would he have the name recognition needed to win?
At Hollywood and Highland, KABC’s James Rojas spoke to 100 U.S. citizens from at least a dozen states including Arizona, Texas, New York and Alabama.
Of those 100 people surveyed, only 26 knew who Garcetti was.
When asked who the mayor of L.A. is, a few common responses included former mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Seven Angelenos admitted to not knowing who their mayor is.
Of the 26 who were aware of Garcetti and his work, 13 said they would vote for him if he were to run for president. Eight said they would consider him as a candidate.
“I think he’s pretty direct, he’s pretty honest. I don’t think he’s too shady. I don’t care about his personality as much. He comes out and answer questions,” said a Chatsworth resident.
Five people who were familiar with Garcetti said they would never vote for him.
“I just don’t think he’s done that much for the city, I really don’t think he’s don’t that much for the city that’s all,” said a Redondo Beach resident.
“God help me. I’m old, I’m white and I’m a Republican, sorry,” said one Palm Desert resident.
When asked about a potential run, Garcetti has told reporters it has not been ruled out.
Though the mayor’s intentions haven’t been clear, an online presence is hoping to push him further.
Garcetti was selected out of over 40 politicians nationwide by members of a Twitter account called @DraftGarcetti. That account once called for former Vice-President Joe Biden to run for the oval office.
Mike Weber with @Draftgarcetti told KABC he has never met the mayor but believes he has the best chance to beat President Donald Trump.
“We just find his personality very appealing and his leadership style. We love the fact that he’s a Navy Reserves Lieutenant and then he’s economic leadership.”
Today, Garcetti is campaigning for Manchester mayoral candidate Joyce Craig.
“We’re excited that Mayor Garcetti, who has done such a tremendous job in Los Angeles, is throwing his support and his energy behind a great leader like Joyce Craig,” said New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley. “With his help, we will be that much closer to making history in Manchester.”
The trip is Garcetti’s sixth major trip out of Southern California since May.