Laguna Hills mayor enters governor’s race

Another Republican is throwing his hat into the ring to try to take on incumbent Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.

Laguna Hills Mayor Andrew Blount, who was first elected to office in 2012 and is known for his elaborate annual Christmas lights display, filed paperwork with the state last week declaring his intention to run for governor.

In a video posted online, Blount describes moving to California with $17 in his pocket, creating a software company, raising a family and putting on the Christmas display at their home that draws thousands of visitors every year. After highlighting the state’s importance in industries such as agriculture and technology, Blount turns to the subject of his campaign.

“I will not be asking for huge donations of your hard-earned money, but only your vote to elect me governor,” he says, seated in a leather chair in front of a desk. “California’s not for sale, and neither is this election.”

On Blount’s website, the software developer says he will reach out to voters through a phone app he developed called Skado.

Blount urges voters to support him if they believe their incomes should grow faster than their expenses, schools should teach employable skills, college is too expensive and hard-working people should be able to support their families and save for retirement.

“Be excited! All Californians have what it takes to realize the greatness inherent in each of us. Let’s make prosperity today’s reality,” he concludes.

Attempts to reach Blount, 40, were unsuccessful Thursday.

He faces a steep uphill battle in the race. Gov. Jerry Brown is popular and has raised more than $17 million. Other Republicans hoping to win a spot on the November ballot to challenge Brown: former U.S. Treasury official Neel Kashkari of Laguna Beach and Assemblyman Tim Donnelly of Twin Peaks.

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Twitter: @LATSeema

seema.mehta@latimes.com