Who's running for California governor? Here's an early look at the candidates
Next year Gov. Gavin Newsom will be leaving his seat as California's top elected official and several candidates have already announced their bids to fill his position.
In 2026, Newsom will be finishing his second term as governor and will no longer be able to run for re-election. Even though the election for his seat is well over a year away, candidates are starting to pop up trying to appeal to Californians.
There is a lot of uncertainty if former Vice President Kamala Harris will decide to run. A person familiar with her decision-making process has said she is expected to make her decision by the end of the summer.
Candidates will have until early March 2026 to file their paperwork ahead of the June 2, 2026, primary, according to the California Secretary of State's Office.
Here is a list of candidates who have publicly announced their run to become California's next governor:
The candidate names are listed in alphabetical order. This list consists of early candidates and will be updated.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Party affiliation: Democrat
Villaraigosa was elected as mayor of Los Angeles in 2005. He has also previously held positions on the LA City Council and the state's assembly.
Use this link to access his campaign website.
Former State Controller Betty Yee
Party affiliation: Democrat
Yee most recently served two terms as the state's controller. She also previously held positions as state budget director and had a seat on the California State Board of Equalization.
Use this link to access her campaign website.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco
Party affiliation: Republican
Bianco is currently serving his second term as the Riverside County Sheriff after being re-elected in 2022. He has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement.
Use this link to access his campaign website.
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
Party affiliation: Democrat
Kounalakis is currently serving her second term as California's lieutenant governor after she was re-elected in 2022. Since launching her campaign in 2023, she has gained the endorsements of former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barbara Boxer, according to her website.
Use this link to access her campaign website.
Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter
Party affiliation: Democrat
Porter served three terms as a representative in California. During her time in Congress in 2020, Porter helped secure free COVID-19 testing for Americans.
Use this link to access her campaign website.
Entrepreneur Stephen J. Cloobeck
Party affiliation: Democrat
Cloobeck is the founder of Diamond Resorts International and has built his career on real estate and hospitality. This will be his first run for any public office, but he has been a long supporter of Democrat politicians, including Newsom and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Use this link to access his campaign website.
Former State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins
Party affiliation: Democrat
Atkins is currently serving her final term on the California Legislature after being elected in 2010. She is the former Senate president pro tempore, where she served as the first female and first openly LGBTQ president pro tempore.
Use this link to access her campaign website.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond
Party affiliation: Democrat
Thurmond is currently serving his second term as California's top education official after being re-elected in 2022. He has also previously served two terms as a state assembly member.
Use this link to access his campaign website.
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