SEATTLE (AP) — The possibility that former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz might launch an independent run for the presidency is not playing well with Democrats in his home state.
“I have two words for Howard Schultz on a potential run for president as an independent: Just. Don’t,” Tina Podlodowski, chairwoman of the Washington Democratic Party, said in a statement.
“Too much is at stake to make this about the ambitions of any one person,” she said. “The 2020 race for President has to be about relegating Donald Trump to the dustbin of history, and reclaiming the Oval Office for our people and our future.”
Democrats fear an independent candidacy might split the anti-Trump vote in 2020 and secure Trump’s re-election. Podlodowski said Schultz has claimed to be a lifelong Democrat and should run as one if he’s interested in an office.