Is Mayor Darrell Steinberg running for California attorney general? Here’s what we know

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg is filing paperwork to raise funds to run for attorney general.

“I am strongly considering running but only if the current AG chooses not to run for re-election,” Steinberg said in a message to The Sacramento Bee Wednesday. “I am considering a number of options for my post mayor life. Whatever I do, it will be something good!”

Steinberg said he believed the paperwork was filed Tuesday. Secretary of State’s office spokesman Joe Kocurek said Wednesday that they had yet to see the filing.

During his May announcement that he would not seek a third term, Steinberg said he might be interested in running for AG in 2026.

Current Attorney General Rob Bonta is “seriously considering” running for governor when Gov. Gavin Newsom vacates the seat in 2026, he has told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Newsom appointed Bonta to the AG post in 2021 — a position for which Steinberg was a contender. Bonta then won election to stay in the post in 2022.

The new committee will also provide a place for Steinberg to park his campaign cash while he figures out his next move.

Steinberg may also be interested in a seat on the Supreme Court of California, but there is not currently a vacancy.

Outside of politics, Steinberg has also said after his mayoral term ends, he wants to spend more time writing, teaching and working with his mental health foundation.