It’s obvious why Kounalakis weighed in. Her political ascent so far has rested solely on her extravagant financial means and willingness to spend grandly on winning public office.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-12-27/trump-ballot-ban-california-newsom

Kounalakis has her on winning the governorship in the Golden State's 2026 gubernatorial contest.

Source: https://www.theblaze.com/news/trump-appear-california-primary-ballottrump-appear-california-primary-ballot

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis was the first to her candidacy just a few months into Newsom’s second term. Tony Thurmond, the Black state superintendent of public instruction, is former Controller Betty Yee.

Source: https://halifax.citynews.ca/2023/11/16/californias-first-lesbian-senate-leader-could-make-history-again-if-she-runs-for-governor/

They included Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and Rabbi Marvin Hier, CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Source: https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/10/15/hundreds-rally-in-west-la-to-support-israel/