Despite denying that his decision not to open physical Bed Bath & Beyond locations in California was for political reasons, Lemonis previously pursued political ambitions. He graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a degree in political science, and in 1996 ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

Bed Bath & Beyond announced that its comeback will not include locations in the largest state in the nation. Marcus Lemonis, Bed Bath & Beyond Executive Chairman said in a statement issued Aug. 20 that the company will not open a brick-and-mortar location in California.

Bed Bath & Beyond will not be opening locations in California anytime soon, its chairman announced on Wednesday, blaming the state’s challenging business climate. Marcus Lemonis, chairman of Beyond, Inc.