José Andrés threatens to challenge Maryland Republican in Congress

Celebrity chef José Andrés could trade the kitchen for Congress if he follows through on a threat to challenge a Maryland Republican, saying the state "deserves better."

"I will retire and run for your seat," Andrés, the famed restauranteur and founder of the emergency food relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen, said on X on Monday in response to a message posted by Rep. Andy Harris.

The Maryland Republican had written that under President Biden and Vice President Harris, "overall prices" were "up 20 percent."

"Reminder: Kamala Harris said there's 'not a thing' she'd change from President Biden's term in office," said the House member, no relation to the vice president.

When asked during an interview last month if she would have done anything differently from Biden, Harris replied that "not a thing comes to mind."

"You are a disgrace making so many lies and hateful rhetoric," Andrés said in a post directed at the seven-term congressman.

"Maryland deserves better specially in my favorite state in the USA...Maryland!" Andrés, 55, said.

The humanitarian, who was born in Spain, told ITK in a 2022 interview that he wouldn't rule out a potential future political run.

“Obviously in life, you can never say never,” Andrés, a frequent critic of former President Trump, said.

“I keep learning. And one day all these learnings, I can bring it to another call, maybe if it’s the right time at the right moment, why not?” he said at the time.