SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KERO) — Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer has announced he is running for California governor.

Faulconer is a moderate Republican who served two terms in San Diego and wrote on his website on Monday that he wanted to 'restore California's promise of freedom, equality, and opportunity.'

His announcement comes amid a tumultuous phase in California politics as Governor Gavin Newsom faces the threat of a recall election.

Businesses and investigations continue into a massive unemployment benefits fraud scandal.