AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu
- Caitlyn Jenner criticized homeless encampments in Los Angeles during her CA recall campaign.
- Jenner called the homelessness a "pandemic" and says "we must reclaim our public space."
- "We're talking about people," a protester said. "Where are you gonna put them?"
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Los Angeles socialite and retired gold-medal Olympian Caitlyn Jenner, who is now running in the California recall election, called homelessness a "pandemic" during a press conference on Thursday.
On the first stop of her California tour, the Republican candidate told residents they must "reclaim" and "regulate" public space. "Those laws must be followed," Jenner said.
Protesters reacted to Jenner on Thursday, demanding answers about where unhoused people would go if they are forced out of their encampments. Representatives for Jenner did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti recently signed an ordinance that will barring people from sitting, lying, sleeping, or establishing their belongings in the "public right of way." The ordinance, which some housing rights advocates say criminalizes homelessness, goes into effect August 29, Insider previously reported.
Jenner, who identifies as an "economically conservative, socially progressive," is a transgender-rights activist in addition to her work in the sports world and on television. She had an income of approximately $500,000 in 2018 and 2019, according to tax filings cited by Bloomberg, down from $2.5 million in 2016.
The California recall election, where candidates are vying to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, is set for September 14.
The previous California recall election in 2003 ended with actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who ran as a Republican, replacing then-Democratic Gov. Gray Davis.