Which Candidates Are Running for California Governor 2026?
The 2026 California governor election will determine the state’s next chief executive as incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is term-limited and unable to seek re-election. This high-profile race has attracted a large and diverse field of candidates from across the political spectrum. California’s nonpartisan top-two primary and the state’s strong Democratic lean add important context for voters and observers. This article explains who is running for California governor in 2026 and how the election process works. So… who is running for California Governor in 2026? Explore what we have seen so far below.
2026 California Governor Election Candidates
The office of Governor of California will be contested in the 2026 election, set for November 3, 2026. The incumbent, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, is term-limited and ineligible for re-election to a third term. This creates an open seat attracting a large and diverse field of candidates. The election will be conducted using California’s nonpartisan top-two primary system with the primary scheduled for June 2, 2026. The state has a strongly Democratic voting history, and most political analysts rate the 2026 California governor election as a solid Democratic hold. Voters and observers should expect an energetic contest, with major and minor party candidates and a crowded primary field, reflecting California’s size and political diversity.
Candidates in the California Governor 2026 Election
Democratic candidates:
Xavier Becerra is a former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2021–2025), former Attorney General of California (2017–2021), and former Congressman. According to the provided summary, his key issues include health care access and tax reform, and he has endorsements from figures such as Salud Carbajal and Raul Ruiz.
Tony Thurmond serves as California State Superintendent of Public Instruction and is a former state assembly member. His platform features single-payer health care proposals and increasing funding through taxes on the wealthy, with endorsements from Laura Friedman, Sabrina Cervantes, Jackie Goldberg, and Black Women Organized for Political Action.
Antonio Villaraigosa is a former mayor of Los Angeles (2005–2013) with experience as chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention and a previous run for governor in 2018. His priorities include public safety, health care, and education, and he is endorsed by Barbara Boxer, Karen Bass, and several labor organizations, as detailed in the provided bio.
Betty Yee, vice chair of the California Democratic Party and former State Controller, focuses on expanding social safety nets and tax credit programs for low-income families. Her campaign is backed by Progressive Democrats of America – California.
Katie Porter is a former U.S. representative from California’s 47th district and a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024. Her endorsements include Dave Min, Derek Tran, Amalgamated Transit Union, Teamsters, and several national advocacy groups. Stephen Cloobeck, business leader and founder of Diamond Resorts, is a Democratic donor known for his appearance on Undercover Boss.
Ian Calderon is the former majority leader of the California Assembly from the 57th district, having served from 2012 to 2020. Raji Rab is described as a pilot and perennial candidate. Carolina Buhler is a UCLA student.
Republican candidates:
Chad Bianco serves as Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner since 2019, with endorsements from federal, state, and local officials including Bill Essayli, Mary Bono, and Kelly Seyarto, among others.
Steve Hilton is a political commentator and former adviser to UK prime minister David Cameron. He is also a former Fox News host, with endorsements from Tom McClintock, Kevin Kiley, and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Sophia Brink works as a legislative aide to a San Mateo County supervisor. Sharifah Hardie is a business consultant.
Ché Ahn is a pastor with endorsements according to the provided summary from Bill Johnson and other organizations. Brandon Jones is a marketing agency founder.
Kyle Langford is a construction manager. Daniel Mercuri is an author and repeat candidate, having run for governor in prior elections and for Congress in 2020. Jimmy Parker is a former judge. David Serpa is a real estate business owner and recent congressional candidate.
Independent/Other candidates:
Butch Ware is an associate professor, hip-hop artist, and was the Green Party vice presidential nominee in 2024.
Javen Allen is an actor.
Ryan Tillman is a police officer.
David Thelen is a blogger.
Leonard Jackson is described as both an actor and shipping CEO.
Every listed candidate above is an official entrant in the 2026 California governor election as indicated in the available data. Please be sure to check updates on official sources.
2026 California Gubernatorial Election Detials
The 2026 California gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, with the state’s primary taking place on June 2, 2026. California utilizes a nonpartisan, top-two primary system. In this format, all candidates, regardless of political party, appear together on a single ballot, and the top two vote-getters proceed to the general election regardless of party affiliation. This system allows voters to choose from the entire field, including major parties and independent or minor party candidates. There is no party-specific primary; instead, voters may select any candidate on the ballot during the primary election. The general election in November will feature the top two finishers from the primary. The process is designed to ensure that candidates with broad appeal to California voters advance, and it is the same method used in other statewide races in California. Key dates and mechanics are detailed in the candidate and election summaries provided.
Polling and Race Outlook for the 2026 California Governor Election
As of late 2025, polling suggests that the 2026 California governor election features a crowded field, with multiple Democratic and Republican candidates attracting varying levels of support. Notable Democratic contenders such as Katie Porter and Xavier Becerra have shown significant support, while Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton are among the notable Republican candidates. Polls indicate that both parties have several candidates with measurable levels of support, with Porter and Hilton leading among their respective parties in some surveys. However, a substantial portion of voters remain undecided, and hypothetical match-ups including other potential candidates have been tested in public polls. Despite the range of candidates and competitive polling within each party, overall race ratings from political analysts and expert observers categorize the 2026 California governor election as a solid or safe Democratic hold, consistent with recent California statewide voting patterns.
Key Issues in the California Governor Race
The 2026 California governor election features a number of important policy issues as outlined in the candidate and campaign materials. Health care affordability remains a central concern, with debates on access to mental health services and proposed responses to federal Medicaid cuts. Other key topics include the sources of funding for state health programs and the possibility of implementing a single-payer health care system within California. Tax policy, especially regarding wealthy individuals, is also mentioned as a prominent campaign issue. Finally, several candidates and organizations emphasize efforts to enhance the efficiency and provider networks within the state’s health care system, as well as broader challenges in education, public safety, and social safety net programs.
Partner with Sutton & Smart
Are you a candidate, campaign, or political organization working in 2026 California elections? Sutton & Smart offers professional services including petition gathering, canvassing, voter contact, and expert political consulting. Connect with us to see how we can support your campaign strategy.
https://calmatters.org/commentary/2025/06/underestimate-antonio-villaraigosa-california-governor/
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/qualified-ballot-measures
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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