2026 California gubernatorial election
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The 2026 California gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the next governor of California. The nonpartisan top-two primary election will take place on June 2, 2026. Incumbent Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third term.
As of July 2025, over a dozen candidates have already declared a campaign, with the field of candidates expected to expand. Republicans have not won any statewide race in the state since 2006 and have not held any statewide office in California since 2011.
Candidates
Democratic Party
Declared
- Toni Atkins, former President pro tempore of the California State Senate (2018–2024) from the 39th district (2016–2024) and former Speaker of the California State Assembly (2012–2016) from the 78th district (2010–2016)[1]
- Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–2025) and former Attorney General of California (2017–2021)[2]
- Carolina Buhler, UCLA student[3]
- Stephen Cloobeck, founder of Diamond Resorts[4]
- Zoltan Istvan, founder of the Transhumanist Party, Libertarian candidate for governor in 2018, and Republican candidate for president in 2020[5]
- Katie Porter, former U.S. representative from California's 47th congressional district (2019–2025) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024[6]
- Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction (2019–present)[7]
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor of Los Angeles (2005–2013) and candidate for governor in 2018[8]
- Betty Yee, California Democratic Party vice chair (2021–present) and former California State Controller (2015–2023)[9]
Filed paperwork
- Raji Rab, pilot and perennial candidate[10]
Publicly expressed interest
- Rick Caruso, CEO of Caruso and runner-up for mayor of Los Angeles in 2022[11]
Withdrawn
- Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California (2019–present) (running for state treasurer)[12]
- Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer (2019–present) (running for lieutenant governor)[9]
Declined
- Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (2021–present) (running for re-election)[13]
- Laphonza Butler, former U.S. senator (2023–2024)[14]
- Kamala Harris, former vice president of the United States (2021–2025), former U.S. senator (2017–2021), and nominee for president in 2024[15]
- Adam Schiff, U.S. senator (2024–present)[16]
Republican Party
Declared
- Ché Ahn, pastor[17]
- Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner (2019–present)[18]
- Sharifah Hardie, business consultant[19]
- Steve Hilton, political commentator and former adviser to UK prime minister David Cameron (2010–2012)[20]
- Brandon Jones, marketing agency founder[21]
- Kyle Langford, construction manager[22]
- Daniel Mercuri, author, candidate for governor in 2021 and 2022, and candidate for California's 25th congressional district in 2020[23]
- Jimmy Parker, former judge[24]
- David Serpa, real estate business owner and runner-up for California's 39th congressional district in 2024[25]
- Leo Zacky, vice president of Zacky Farms and candidate for governor in 2021 and 2022[24]
Publicly expressed interest
- Grant Cardone, private equity fund manager[26]
- Jake Steinfeld, actor and fitness personality[27]
Declined
- Mel Gibson, actor and filmmaker[28]
- Kevin McCarthy, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2023) from California's 20th congressional district (2007–2023)[29]
Green Party
Declared
- Butch Ware, associate professor and nominee for vice president in 2024[30]
Peace and Freedom Party
Declared
No party preference
Publicly expressed interest
- Ethan Penner, real estate investor[32]
Declined
- Nicole Shanahan, attorney and running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the 2024 presidential election[33]
Primary election
Endorsements
Toni Atkins (D)
- U.S. representatives
- Scott Peters, CA-50 (2013–present)[34]
- Juan Vargas, CA-52 (2013–present)[35]
- Statewide officials
- Shirley Weber, California Secretary of State (2021–present)[1]
- State legislators
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, AD-04 (2016–present)[36]
- David Alvarez, AD-80 (2020–present)[37]
- Catherine Blakespear, SD-38 (2022–present)[37]
- Tasha Boerner, AD-77 (2018–present)[37]
- Susan Eggman, SD-05 (2020–2024)[38]
- Christine Kehoe, SD-39 (2004–2012)[1]
- John Laird, SD-17 (2020–present)[36]
- Brian Maienschein, AD-76 (2012–2024)[37]
- Caroline Menjivar, SD-20 (2022–present)[36]
- Mike McGuire, SD-02 (2024–present)[39]
- Steve Padilla, SD-18 (2022–present)[37]
- Richard Roth, SD-31 (2012–2024)[36]
- LaShae Sharp-Collins, AD-79 (2024–present)[36]
- Chris Ward, AD-78 (2020–present)[37]
- Akilah Weber, SD-39 (2024–present)[37]
- Scott Wiener, SD-11 (2016–present)[38]
- Local officials
- 8/9 members of the San Diego City Council[b][40]
- Paloma Aguirre, San Diego supervisor from the 1st district (2025–present)[41]
- Todd Gloria, mayor of San Diego (2013–2014, 2020–present)[40]
- Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County supervisor from the 3rd district (2021–present)[40]
- Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County supervisor from the 2nd district (2020–present)[42]
- Cori Schumacher, former Carlsbad city councilor from the 1st district (2016–2021)[43]
- Labor unions
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569[44]
- Western States Regional Council of Carpenters[45]
- Organizations
Xavier Becerra (D)
- Executive branch officials
- Ron Klain, former White House Chief of Staff (2021–2023)[48]
Chad Bianco (R)
- Executive branch officials
- Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California (2025–present)[49]
- U.S. representatives
- Mary Bono, CA-45 (1998–2013)[50]
- Ken Calvert, CA-41 (1993–present)[51]
- Darrell Issa, CA-48 (2001–2019, 2021–present)[52]
- State legislators
- Juan Alanis, AD-22 (2022–present)[52]
- Leticia Castillo, AD-58 (2024–present)[49]
- Phillip Chen, AD-59 (2016–present)[53]
- Jordan Cunningham, AD-35 (2016–2022)[54]
- Laurie Davies, AD-74 (2020–present)[50]
- Diane Dixon, AD-72 (2022–present)[54]
- Heath Flora, AD-09 (2022–present)[54]
- Jeff Gonzalez, AD-36 (2024–present)[49]
- Heather Hadwick, AD-01 (2024–present)[50]
- Dennis Hollingsworth, SD-36 (2002–2010)[53]
- Tom Lackey, AD-34 (2014–present)[55]
- Devon Mathis, AD-33 (2014–2024)[52]
- Joe Patterson, AD-05 (2022–present)[54]
- Kate Sanchez, AD-71 (2022–present)[54]
- Kelly Seyarto, SD-32 (2022–present)[56]
- Tri Ta, AD-70 (2022–present)[50]
- Greg Wallis, AD-47 (2022–present)[49]
- Scott Wilk, SD-21 (2016–2024)[53]
- Local officials
- Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner (2019–present)[53]
- Curt Hagman, member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors from the 4th district (2014–present)[50]
- Paul Miyamoto, San Francisco Sheriff (2020–present) (Democratic)[57]
- 36 other county sheriffs[54]
- 3 county district attorneys[54]
- Organizations
- Deputy Sheriffs' Associations of San Diego County[58] and Santa Barbara County[59]
Stephen Cloobeck (D)
- Individuals
- Mike Madrid, political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project (Republican, candidate's campaign consultant)[60]
Steve Hilton (R)
- U.S. representatives
- Kevin Kiley, CA-03 (2023–present)[61]
- Tom McClintock, CA-05 (2009–present)[62]
- State legislators
- Gloria Romero, SD-24 (2001–2010)[c] (campaign advisor)[63]
- Tony Strickland, SD-36 (2025–present) (campaign co-chair)[61]
- Local officials
- Andrew Gruel, at-large Huntington Beach city councilor (2025–present) and celebrity chef[64]
- Jeff Reisig, Yolo County district attorney (2007–present)[65]
- Individuals
- Charlie Kirk, activist and founder of Turning Point USA[61]
- Vivek Ramaswamy, former CEO of Roivant Sciences and 2024 presidential candidate[66]
- Jon Voight, actor[67]
Tony Thurmond (D)
- U.S. Representatives
- Laura Friedman, CA-30 (2025–present)[69]
- State legislators
- Sabrina Cervantes, SD-31 (2024–present)[40]
- Jackie Goldberg, AD-45 (2000–2006) and Los Angeles Unified School District president (1983–1991, 2019–2024)[40]
Antonio Villaraigosa (D)
- U.S. senators
- Barbara Boxer, former U.S. senator from California (1993–2017) (campaign co-chair)[70]
- Individuals
- Michael Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company[71]
- Rob Reiner, director[71]
- Ryan Seacrest, producer[71]
Butch Ware (G)
- Political parties
- Green Party of California[72] and Santa Clara County[73]
Eleni Kounalakis (D) (withdrawn)
- Executive branch officials
- Roberta Achtenberg, former member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (2011–2016)[40]
- Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State (2009–2013), former U.S. senator from New York (2001–2009), and Democratic nominee for president in 2016[74]
- U.S. senators
- Barbara Boxer, former U.S. senator from California (1993–2017)[75] (endorsed Villaraigosa after Kounalakis withdrew from the race)[70]
- U.S. representatives
- Nancy Pelosi, CA-11 (1987–present)[76]
- Luz Rivas, CA-29 (2025–present)[74]
- Mike Thompson, CA-04 (1999–present)[74]
- State legislators
- Bill Dodd, SD-03 (2016–2024)[74]
- Evan Low, AD-26 (2014–2024)[40]
- Diane Papan, AD-21 (2022–present)[74]
- Local officials
- Art Agnos, former mayor of San Francisco (1988–1992)[77]
- Kevin McCarty, mayor of Sacramento (2024–present)[74]
Kamala Harris (D) (declined)
- State officials
- Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (2021–present)[13]
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Toni Atkins (D) |
Xavier Becerra (D) |
Chad Bianco (R) |
Steve Hilton (R) |
Eleni Kounalakis (D) |
Katie Porter (D) |
Tony Thurmond (D) |
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) |
Betty Yee (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kounalakis withdraws from the race | ||||||||||||||
| Emerson College[78] | August 4–5, 2025 | 1000 (RV) | ± 3% | 2% | 3% | 7% | 12% | 3% | 18% | 1% | 5% | 2% | 11%[e] | 38% |
| Emerson College[79] | April 12–14, 2025 | 899 (LV) | ± 3.2% | 2% | 3% | 4% | – | 3% | 12% | 2% | 5% | 3% | 12%[f] | 54% |
Hypothetical polling
with John Cox
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Toni Atkins (D) |
Xavier Becerra (D) |
John Cox (R) |
Kamala Harris (D) |
Eleni Kounalakis (D) |
Katie Porter (D) |
Tony Thurmond (D) |
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) |
Betty Yee (D) |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Weekly[80] | February 3–7, 2025 | 692 (RV) | – | 2% | 4% | 21% | 23% | 2% | 16% | 1% | 2% | 2% | 27%[g] |
| 1073[h] | 3% | 5% | 21% | – | 5% | 26% | 2% | 3% | 3% | 30%[i] |
with Brian Dahle
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Toni Atkins (D) |
Xavier Becerra (D) |
Chad Bianco (R) |
Brian Dahle (R) |
Steve Hilton (R) |
Eleni Kounalakis (D) |
Katie Porter (D) |
Tony Thurmond (D) |
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) |
Betty Yee (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USC/CSU Long Beach/ Cal Poly Pomona[81] |
September 12–25, 2024 | 1,685 (LV) | ± 2.4% | 1% | 3% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 2% | 14% | 1% | 3% | 3% | 9%[j] | 50% |
| Tulchin Research (D)[82][A] | August 8–12, 2024 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | – | – | – | 13% | 10% | 10% | 4% | 4% | 13% | 7% | – | 39% |
with Steve Garvey
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Toni Atkins (D) |
Xavier Becerra (D) |
Chad Bianco (R) |
Steve Garvey (R) |
Eleni Kounalakis (D) |
Katie Porter (D) |
Tony Thurmond (D) |
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) |
Betty Yee (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakthrough Campaigns[83][B] | November 22–26, 2024 | 1,228 (LV) | ± 2.8% | 1% | 2% | 6% | 18% | 8% | 21% | 3% | 3% | 3% | 23%[k] | 12% |
| 3% | 6% | 14% | 21% | 9% | 24% | 2% | 3% | 6% | 1%[l] | 11% |
with Kamala Harris
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Toni Atkins (D) |
Chad Bianco (R) |
Kamala Harris (D) |
Eleni Kounalakis (D) |
Katie Porter (D) |
Tony Thurmond (D) |
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) |
Betty Yee (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson College[79] | April 12–14, 2025 | 911 (LV) | ± 3.2% | 1% | 4% | 31% | 2% | 8% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 11%[m] | 39% |
"Democratic Primary Poll"[n]
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Toni Atkins (D) |
Kamala Harris (D) |
Eleni Kounalakis (D) |
Katie Porter (D) |
Tony Thurmond (D) |
Antonio Villaraigosa (D) |
Betty Yee (D) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson College[84][C] | February 10–11, 2025 | 469 (RV) | ± 4.5% | 3% | 57% | 4% | 9% | 1% | 4% | 2% | 5%[o] | 17% |
| 3% | – | 5% | 21% | 3% | 9% | 3% | 12%[p] | 45% |
Debates
| No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key: P Participant A Absent N Not invited I Invited W Withdrawn |
||||||||
| Atkins | Kounalakis | Thurmond | Yee | |||||
| 1 | Sep. 29, 2024 | National Union of Healthcare Workers Los Angeles Times, The Associated Press, Politico |
Laurel Rosenhall Lisa Matthews Melanie Mason |
YouTube | P | P | P | P |
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[85] | Solid D | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[86] | Solid D | February 6, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[87] | Safe D | May 1, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[88] | Safe D | August 9, 2025 |
See also
Notes
- ^ Robinson is a member of both the Peace and Freedom Party and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
- ^ When the article was published, San Diego had 8 city councilors, all 8 of whom endorsed Atkins. A ninth councilor was sworn in after the 2024 election.
- ^ She held this seat as a Democrat and switched to Republican in 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ "Someone else" with 7%; Rick Caruso (D) with 4%
- ^ "Someone else" with 5%; Kyle Langford (R) with 2%; Stephen Cloobeck (D), Daniel Mercuri (R), Jimmy Parker (R) and Brandon Jones (R) with 1%; Sharifah Hardie (R), Butch Ware (G), Michael Younger (D), and Leo Zacky (R) with 0%
- ^ Lanhee Chen (R) with 10%; Rick Caruso (D) with 8%; Rob Bonta (D) with 7%; Laphonza Butler (D) with 2%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 0%
- ^ Total says 1073, but numbers add up to 1071
- ^ Rob Bonta (D) and Lanhee Chen (R) with 9%; Rick Caruso (D) with 8%; Laphonza Butler (D) with 4%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 0%
- ^ Rob Bonta (D) with 4%; Rick Caruso (D) with 3%; Lanhee Chen (R) with 2%
- ^ Brian Dahle (R) with 9%; Rob Bonta (D) with 6%; Rick Caruso with 5%; Laphonza Butler (D) with 3%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 0%
- ^ Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 1%
- ^ "Someone else" with 3%; Kyle Langford (R) with 2%; Stephen Cloobeck (D), Sharifah Hardie (R), Brandon Jones (R), and Jimmy Parker (R) with 1%; Daniel Mercuri (R), Butch Ware (G), Michael Younger (D), and Leo Zacky (R) with 0%
- ^ Survey asked only Democratic voters. In California, all candidates run on the same ballot in a “blanket primary.”
- ^ "Someone else" with 3%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) and Michael Younger (D) with 1%
- ^ "Someone else" with 8%; Stephen Cloobeck (D) with 3%; and Michael Younger (D) with under 1%
Partisan and media clients
References
- ^ a b c Mason, Melanie (January 19, 2024). "California Senate leader aims to be the state's first woman and LGBTQ+ governor". Politico. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ Mason, Melanie (April 2, 2025). "Xavier Becerra announces bid for California governor". Politico. Retrieved April 2, 2025.
- ^ Crosnoe, Alexandra (June 30, 2025). "UCLA student Carolina Buhler to compete in 2026 California gubernatorial primary". Daily Bruin. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ Schallhorn, Kaitlyn (November 5, 2024). "Hospitality businessman Stephen Cloobeck launches California governor bid". The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
- ^ Stokols, Eli (July 8, 2025). "Elon Musk's dream of a techie takeover of politics". Politico.
- ^ Rosenhall, Laurel (March 11, 2025). "Katie Porter Will Run for California Governor". The New York Times. Retrieved March 11, 2025.
- ^ Flores, Hilda (September 26, 2023). "State Superintendent Tony Thurmond officially announces run for governor". KCRA. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
- ^ Gans, Jared (July 23, 2024). "Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa again running for California governor". The Hill. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ a b Bollag, Sophia (April 24, 2023). "Former California Controller Betty Yee says she will run to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ "Raji Rab Candidate Profile". Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (February 17, 2025). "Morning Digest: A Georgia Republican says he alone can raise unlimited sums. His rivals have other ideas". The Downballot. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
Developer Rick Caruso...now tells Puck's Peter Hamby he's considering a campaign for California's open governorship.
- ^ Gardiner, Dustin (August 8, 2025). "Eleni Kounalakis drops out of California governor's race, pivots to downballot campaign". Politico. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ a b Gardiner, Dustin; Jones, Blake (February 5, 2025). "Rob Bonta is keeping his day job". Politico. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
Attorney General Rob Bonta won't run for California governor in 2026, he told Playbook...instead, he'll seek reelection as AG and back former Vice President Kamala Harris if she jumps into the fray to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.
- ^ Mehta, Seema (November 17, 2024). "Laphonza Butler reflects on her brief Senate career, the presidential race and her future". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ Reston, Maeve (July 30, 2025). "Kamala Harris will not run for California governor, opening door for 2028 run". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ Larreal, Samuel (August 1, 2025). "Kamala Harris just kicked off the California governor's race". NOTUS. Retrieved August 2, 2025 – via Stocktonia.
'No, no. Definitely not,' Schiff said when NOTUS asked whether he would consider running [for governor in 2026]
- ^ "Dominionist Ché Ahn Running for Governor of California". People for the American Way. July 7, 2025.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (February 17, 2025). "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco announces California governor run in 2026". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Symon, Evan (November 19, 2024). "Where the Ultra-Competitive 2026 California Gubernatorial Race Currently Stands". California Globe. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ Jones, Blake (April 21, 2025). "Former Fox News host Steve Hilton is running for California governor". Politico. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
- ^ Baños, Alejandro (March 12, 2025). "Katie Porter officially announces her candidacy for California governor". VOZ.
- ^ "California gov. hopeful makes antisemitic Auschwitz comment". The Jerusalem Post. July 27, 2025. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ Sparks, Jennifer (March 19, 2025). "Politics and The Pulpit –Daniel Mercuri- March 19, 2025". KHTS. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
- ^ a b Medina, Alex (July 23, 2024). "Antonio Villaraigosa announces another run for California governor". Boyle Heights Beat. Archived from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ "IB Republicans Hear From David Serpa". Imperial Beach Eagle & Times. April 25, 2025. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
- ^ My encouragement to the middle class is to 'get out' of it, move yourself up: Grant Cardone. Fox Business. May 24, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
Grant Cardone dissects the state of the country and whether a 2026 California gubernatorial run could happen
- ^ Colombo, Madison (March 28, 2025). "Fitness mogul Jake Steinfeld seriously considers run for California governor after losing home to wildfires". Fox News. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ "Mel Gibson 'Flattered' by Governor Poll Favorability, but Has Zero Interest". TMZ. March 18, 2025. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (February 13, 2024). "McCarthy floats future run for office in rare Capitol Hill visit". Axios. Archived from the original on February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
McCarthy dismissed a run for California governor in 2026
- ^ Haskell, Josh (August 1, 2025). "Who is running for California governor? See list of candidates for 2026 election". KABC-TV. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ Evans, Jordan Willow (June 20, 2025). "Three California Peace and Freedom Party Members Announce 2026 Statewide Campaigns". Independent Political Report. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ Gittelsohn, John (April 7, 2025). "CMBS Pioneer Ethan Penner Considers Run for California Governor". Bloomberg News. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
- ^ BREAKING: Nicole Shanahan Will NOT Run For Governor Of California. The Steve Hilton Show. March 21, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ Larreal, Samuel; Alfred, Mark (March 11, 2025). "Silicon Valley lawmakers aren't racing to back latest governor candidate". San José Spotlight. NOTUS. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
- ^ "Toni Atkins' Momentum in Governors' Race: Memo to Interested Parties". Politico. August 1, 2025. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Wallace, Gabrielle (July 30, 2025). "Toni Atkins gains key endorsements ahead of Harris opting out of gubernatorial race". Times of San Diego Uptown News. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Tefu, Bo (August 6, 2024). "Asm. Akilah Weber Endorses Sen. Toni Atkins for Governor". Oakland Post. Post News Group. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c Bajko, Matthew S. (August 1, 2025). "Political Notes: Lesbian CA Gov candidate Atkins battles perceptions her bid is a lost cause". Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ Ohman, Jack (July 30, 2025). "Katie Porter is going to be California's next governor". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Bajko, Matthew S. (June 17, 2024). "LPAC early endorses lesbian 2026 CA governor candidate Atkins". Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Wallace, Gabrielle (August 5, 2025). "Atkins to open San Diego campaign HQ with state, federal, local leaders in her corner". Times of San Diego. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ Jackson-Fossett, Cora (July 31, 2025). "Holly Mitchell Endorses Toni Atkins for CA Governor". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Fox, Ben; Mui, Christine; Gardiner, Dustin; Jones, Blake (August 11, 2025). "Where Silicon Valley is putting its money in the governor's race: Hitting the Road". Politico. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ Schumacher, Cori (May 18, 2024). "IBEW 569 Endorses Toni Atkins for Governor 2026!". IBEW Local 569. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ Wick, Julia; Rosenhall, Laurel; Luna, Taryn (January 19, 2024). "State Senate leader Toni Atkins joins 2026 race for California governor". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ "Toni Atkins - Governor of California". LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ "SDCYD Official Endorsements: 2026 Election Endorsements". San Diego County Young Democrats. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ Gardiner, Dustin; Jones, Blake (August 7, 2025). "The case against Katie Porter's inevitability: Buzz for Becerra". Politico. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Horseman, Jeff (February 17, 2025). "Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco announces California governor run in 2026". Los Angeles Daily News. SCNG. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Williams, Sam (May 28, 2025). "Bianco brings his gubernatorial campaign to Jensen Hall at 5 p.m. June 6". Lassen County Times. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
- ^ Albani-Burgio, Paul (February 17, 2025). "Sheriff Chad Bianco kicks off campaign for California governor with attacks on Democrats". The Desert Sun. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c Gligich, Daniel (June 6, 2024). "Coalition urges Riverside Sheriff Bianco to run for governor". San Joaquin Valley Sun. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Horseman, Jeff (July 9, 2024). "Can Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco become California's governor in 2026?". Los Angeles Daily News. SCNG. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Coalition Organizes to Draft Riverside Sheriff for Governor". California County News. June 19, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Norman, Nicole (February 17, 2025). "MAGA sheriff running for CA governor vows to end 'sanctuary' laws". Politico. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (February 18, 2025). "Conservative Southern California sheriff announces governor run in 2026". The Mercury News. Bay Area News Group. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Baker, Alex (July 31, 2025). "SF Sheriff Paul Miyamoto endorses MAGA GOP candidate for governor". KRON 4. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Endorsements". Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ SBC Deputy Sheriffs' Assoc. [@sbcdsa] (July 31, 2025). "Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs' Association Endorses Sheriff Chad Bianco for California Governor". Retrieved August 12, 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ Mason, Melanie; Gardiner, Dustin; Jones, Blake (August 5, 2025). "California Playbook: Incumbents under duress". Politico. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ a b c Norman, Nicole (April 23, 2025). "This primary ain't big enough for the two of us". Politico. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ "Congressman Tom McClintock Endorses Steve Hilton for Governor of California". Sierra Sun Times. May 12, 2025. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ Seiler, John (May 8, 2025). "Can Steve Hilton flip California Republican?". The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on May 15, 2025. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ Szabo, Matt (April 22, 2025). "Steve Hilton launches California governor bid in Huntington Beach". Daily Pilot. Retrieved August 10, 2025 – via Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Nixon, Nicole (June 19, 2025). "Yolo DA Endorses Republican Steve Hilton". Sacramento Bee. Retrieved June 20, 2025.
- ^ Zavala, Ashley (April 25, 2025). "Republican Steve Hilton tells KCRA 3 his campaign for California governor is 'non-partisan'". KCRA 3. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- ^ Garofoli, Joe (April 23, 2025). "Steve Hilton — like most California Republicans — has a MAGA problem". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ "Vote Mama PAC Candidates". Vote Mama PAC. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ McLaughlin, Jill (April 21, 2025). "More Candidates Emerge as California Governor's Race Gains Steam". California Insider. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
Thurmond has been endorsed by several former and current state lawmakers and U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman.
- ^ a b Jones, Blake; Gardiner, Dustin (August 12, 2025). "Why a gerrymandering critic wants to toss out California's maps". Politico. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c Mehta, Seema (April 10, 2025). "Democrats running for California governor take digs at Kamala Harris' delayed decision on the race". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ Wells, Laura (June 16, 2025). "California Green Party Endorses Dr. Rudolph T. Ware for Governor of California". California Green Party. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ "SCC Greens Endorse Dr. Butch Ware for CA Governor". Santa Clara County Green Party. April 28, 2025. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Rosenhall, Lauren (May 25, 2023). "Hillary Clinton backs Eleni Kounalakis for California governor". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
- ^ White, Jeremy B.; Korte, Lara; Brown, Matthew; Castanos, Ramon (May 25, 2023). "Kounalakis, Clinton and California clout". Politico. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
- ^ Tapper, Jake (July 30, 2025). "Pelosi on TX redistricting: "Absolutely" GOP is rigging the election". CNN. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ Koehn, Josh (April 24, 2023). "Eleni Kounalakis Running for California Governor. Will Kamala Harris Join Her?". The San Francisco Standard. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ "California 2026 Poll: Porter, Hilton Lead in Race for Governor; Plurality Undecided". Emerson College Polling. August 8, 2025.
- ^ a b Mumford, Camille (April 17, 2025). "April 2025 California Poll: Harris Leads Hypothetical Gubernatorial Primary, 50% of Voters Think She Should Not Run". Emerson College Polling.
- ^ Paul, Mitchell (February 12, 2025). "CA 120: Dems in a funk, but Harris and Newsom could still shine". Capitol Weekly.
- ^ "The California Elections and Policy Poll (CEPP): Statewide Poll of the California Electorate, poll conducted September 12–25, 2024" (PDF). University of Southern California. September 30, 2024.
- ^ Korte, Lara; Gardiner, Dustin (August 29, 2024). "Assembly pushes back on Newsom". Politico.
- ^ Vermeyen, Lindsay (December 9, 2024). "State of the California Governor Race". Politico.
- ^ "February 2025 California Poll: Kamala Harris Emerges as Democratic Frontrunner for Governor". Emerson College Polling. February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast – 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
Official campaign websites
- Ramsey Robinson (PSL) for Governor
- Ché Ahn (R) for Governor
- Toni Atkins (D) for Governor
- Xavier Becerra (D) for Governor
- Chad Bianco (R) for Governor
- Carolina Buhler (D) for Governor
- Stephen Cloobeck (D) for Governor
- Sharifah Hardie (R) for Governor
- Steve Hilton (R) for Governor
- Zoltan Istvan (D) for Governor
- Brandon Jones (R) for Governor
- Kyle Langford (R) for Governor
- Daniel Mercuri (R) for Governor
- Ethan Penner (I) for Governor
- Katie Porter (D) for Governor
- Raji Rab (D) for Governor
- David Serpa (R) for Governor
- Tony Thurmond (D) for Governor
- Antionio Villaraigosa (D) for Governor
- Butch Ware (G) for Governor
- Betty Yee (D) for Governor
- Michael Younger (D) for Governor
- Leo Zacky (R) for Governor