California’s 2026 governor’s race is wide open. Declared candidates include Democrats Toni Atkins, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond, and Stephen Cloobeck, along with Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.
California prepares for a new governor in 2026 as top Democrats and Republicans enter a wide-open race shaped by affordability, homelessness, budget shortfalls, and climate challenges.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. With Gov. Gavin Newsom barred from seeking a third term, California voters will choose a new leader in 2026. The June 2, 2026, top-two primary is expected to draw a crowded field of Democrats, a handful of Republicans, and possibly a U.S. senator. Affordability, public safety, and the state budget crisis are at the center of the campaign.
Democrats crowd the field
Several prominent Democrats have already declared:
- Katie Porter, a former U.S. representative, is running as a progressive focused on affordability and transparency. Recent polls place her narrowly ahead, although more than a third of voters remain undecided.
- Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. health secretary and California attorney general, entered the race in April and points to his long record in law and policy.
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor, is seeking a political comeback after his 2018 bid fell short.
- Toni Atkins, the former president pro tempore of the state Senate, is emphasizing her experience in crafting budgets and advancing social programs.
- Betty Yee, a two-term state controller, has centered her campaign on fiscal responsibility and public trust.
- Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of public instruction, was the first major Democrat to enter the race and is highlighting education equity.
- Stephen Cloobeck, a businessman with significant personal wealth, has made headlines by financing his own campaign and pursuing lawsuits against rivals.
Republicans test their chances
Although Republicans face long odds in a state where Democrats dominate statewide offices, two contenders are pressing forward:
- Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, is focusing on law-and-order themes, border enforcement, and easing cost-of-living pressures.
- Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is appealing to conservatives with his “Golden Again” agenda.
Who is out and who might jump in
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis suspended her campaign in August and is now pursuing a run for state treasurer. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has also publicly declined to enter the race.
Attention is turning to U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who is weighing a bid that could significantly alter the Democratic contest if he decides to run.
Issues on the ballot
The race will unfold against the backdrop of a tightening state budget. Lawmakers recently addressed a projected shortfall of 12 to 20 billion dollars for the 2025–26 fiscal year, and analysts warn of recurring deficits.
Voters have consistently identified these concerns as top priorities:
- Affordability and housing. Soaring rents and home prices remain a central worry across the state.
- Homelessness and public safety. The crisis is visible in every major city and candidates are offering sharply different solutions.
- Climate resilience. Wildfires, water shortages, and renewable energy policies continue to shape long-term debates about California’s future.
The Road to November 2026
California’s top-two system means the June 2 primary will determine which two candidates, regardless of party, move on to the general election. With Democrats filling much of the field, a head-to-head race between two members of the same party is a real possibility. Republicans Bianco and Hilton are hoping to break through if the Democratic vote fragments.
