‘Beast mode’: Gov pushes NFL star's possible mayoral run citing 'off the charts' numbers

Former NFL star running back Marshawn Lynch has at least one big-name supporter if he follows through on suggestions that he is considering a potential bid for Oakland mayor– California Gov. Gavin Newsom .

In the podcast “Politickin’” that he co-hosts with the Democratic governor and his longtime agent, Lynch on Thursday hinted at a possible run for Oakland mayor, which could see an opening as residents consider recalling their current mayor, who is embroiled in scandal, Politico reported.

Both Newsom and agent Doug Hendrickson encouraged the former NFL star — who played for the Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills — to not only enter the race – but go “Beast Mode” – a reference to the Super Bowl champ's nickname.

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"The bottom line is your favorable/unfavorables put you in a position against anyone else they polled in the field, which is some of the biggest names in California politics,” Newsom said, adding that some of the names included well-known and household names.

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While the 38-year-old Oakland native urged Newsom to keep his possible mayoral bid under wraps, the governor said on the podcast that he’s already reviewed “private polling” showing Oaklanders had a 43% favorable opinion of Lynch, compared to only 7% who viewed him unfavorably, according to Politico.

“That’s off the charts, brother,” Newsom said in the podcast. “Seven percent unfavorable? That never has happened in my life,” he jokingly added.

Hendricks added that Lynch “is truly the people of Oakland.” Any possible decision from Lynch to launch a mayoral campaign would likely come within a month.

“You’re going to know in less than a month if the mayor is recalled," Newsom said. “I’m not pro-recall generally, having been on the receiving end of them.”

He added: “I’m not here to judge.”

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