Chef José Andrés Says He 'Wouldn't Mind' Running For U.S. Senate

BETHESDA, MARYLAND — Bethesda celebrity chef José Andrés recently told Washingtonian that he "wouldn't mind" running for senator of Maryland.

Andrés is a restaurateur-turned-activist behind high-end restaurants in the area like Jaleo, his flagship "minibar," China Chilcano, Oyamel and more.

He was just named Humanitarian of the Year at the James Beard Awards, recognizing his efforts to feed millions of people in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

"I think we’re in need of shaping Congress," Andrés said. "I consider myself a Millennial, and I think we are going to need more young people on the right and on the left, people of respect and understanding.”

Andrés and his organization World Central Kitchen provided over 3.2 million meals to date, which surpassed the Red Cross.

Andrés has been especially outspoken about President Trump. He pulled his fine-dining restaurant from Trump's D.C. hotel after Trump made insulting comments about immigrants. Andrés and his company, ThinkFoodGroup, cancelled plans in 2015 to open a restaurant in the $200 million luxury hotel.

Trump sued Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup for $10 million for backing out of their deal, and Andres countersued. The lawsuit was settled a year ago.

SEE ALSO:

• Bethesda's José Andrés Wins 2018 James Beard Humanitarian Award
• Chef Jose Andres Feeds 3 Million Irma Survivors In Puerto Rico
• Bethesda Chef José Andrés: Puerto Ricans 'Hungry And Thirsty'
• President Trump, DC Celebrity Chef Settle Washington Hotel

Andrés told Washingtonian that he's been encouraged to run for office.

“I’m 48 now, so who knows. But, why not?,” he said. “If I don’t see things get better in terms of understanding, maybe we need a chef in the capital that can bring everybody to the table and start having these kinds of honorable conversations. We know that at a table, good things happen.”