California Gov. Gavin Newsom will all but certainly face a recall vote by the end of the summer, but even amid his pandemic faux pas, the candidate pool seemed open enough to save his career. That is, until now. Former Olympic gold medalist, reality television star, and transgender activist Caitlyn Jenner is considering an entrance into the recall race as a Republican, a move that could change the fundamental calculus of an already unorthodox election.

Prior to reports of Jenner’s consideration, the most notable contender in the recall race was Kevin Faulconer, the centrist Republican, former mayor of San Diego. Faulconer was popular enough in the city that when it voted for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by a 37 point margin, he beat his Democratic challenger by 38 points. But despite Faulconer’s proven pedigree and socially liberal appeal, he has struggled to break through the deep blue media markets of the Golden State. Jenner, on the other hand, has the ability to dominate the press. Oddly enough, that might work in Faulconer’s favor.