California attorney general Jerry Brown, former governor, files paperwork for exploratory bid

Calif. AG Brown files paperwork for governor’s run

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Attorney General Jerry Brown has taken the first step toward running for governor, filing official paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office to start an exploratory committee.

Tuesday’s filing means the former governor can collect up to $25,900 from individual donors for his potential Democratic gubernatorial bid, up from the $6,500 individuals can give him now.

Campaign adviser Steve Glazer says that allows Brown to compete against deep-pocketed Republicans.

The lower contribution limit hasn’t hurt Brown so far.

In July he reported having nearly $7.4 million in the bank, compared with just $1.2 million for his only other Democratic rival so far, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Brown has been hinting at a run for governor for months.