By Michael Phillips | California Bay News | Election Desk
California will elect its next governor on November 3, 2026, with a nonpartisan top-two primary on June 2, 2026, to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
As of January 2026, the race is unusually crowded and unsettled. More than two dozen candidates—mostly Democrats, along with several Republicans and independents—have declared. Polling shows no clear frontrunner, and a large share of voters remain undecided.
Because California uses a top-two primary system, the two candidates who receive the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party. In a fractured field, that creates the real possibility—however rare in a heavily Democratic state—that two Republicans could advance if Democratic votes are split.
Below is a clear, up-to-date overview of who’s running, how the field is shaping up, and what to watch.
How California’s Governor Election Works
- Primary: June 2, 2026 (all candidates on one ballot)
- General Election: November 3, 2026
- System: Top-two advance, regardless of party
- Filing deadline: March 6, 2026
Major Democratic Candidates
Democrats dominate the field numerically, but the size of the field has made consolidation difficult.
- Katie Porter – Former U.S. Representative known for consumer-protection work; emphasizing affordability, housing, and corruption.
- Eric Swalwell – Sitting congressman and former prosecutor; focusing on public safety, education, and governance reforms.
- Xavier Becerra – Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and California Attorney General; highlighting healthcare, economic equity, and experience.
- Antonio Villaraigosa – Former Los Angeles mayor and past gubernatorial candidate; stressing infrastructure, education, and economic growth.
- Tom Steyer – Billionaire climate activist and former presidential candidate; self-funding with a strong climate focus.
- Tony Thurmond – California Superintendent of Public Instruction; centered on education and student mental health.
- Betty Yee – Former State Controller; campaigning on fiscal oversight and transparency.
- Ian Calderon – Former Assembly Majority Leader; emphasizing legislative experience and working-family issues.
Major Republican Candidates
Republicans see opportunity in voter frustration over crime, homelessness, and cost of living.
- Steve Hilton – Former Fox News host and policy adviser; running on a populist, anti-bureaucracy platform.
- Chad Bianco – Riverside County sheriff; campaigning on law-and-order and opposition to progressive criminal justice reforms.
Both Hilton and Bianco have placed near the top of recent early polls, aided by the divided Democratic field.
Other Notable and Independent Candidates
- Zoltan Istvan – Futurist and perennial candidate promoting radical technology-driven policies.
- A long list of independents and minor-party candidates, including veterans, business owners, activists, and first-time candidates, most polling in the low single digits or not at all.
Who Has Dropped Out (So Far)
Several high-profile Democrats exited in late 2025, reshaping the race:
- Eleni Kounalakis (now running for treasurer)
- Toni Atkins
- Businessman Stephen Cloobeck, who endorsed Swalwell
What the Polls Show
Recent surveys (late 2025) show:
- Leading candidates clustered in the low double digits
- 30–50% of voters undecided, depending on the poll
- Republicans often near the top due to Democratic vote-splitting
These numbers are volatile and likely to shift as campaigns consolidate and spending increases.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Late entries: Potential candidates like Attorney General Rob Bonta or businessman Rick Caruso could reshape the field.
- Democratic consolidation: Whether Democratic voters coalesce around one or two candidates before the primary.
- Primary math: A crowded field makes strategic voting and turnout especially important.
- Issue focus: Crime, housing affordability, homelessness, and economic recovery are dominating early messaging.
Bottom Line
The 2026 California governor’s race is wide open. With no clear frontrunner, a fragmented Democratic field, and a top-two primary system, the path to November remains unpredictable. Expect rapid movement once fundraising, advertising, and endorsements accelerate in early 2026.
For official candidate filings and updates, voters can consult the California Secretary of State and trusted election reference sites.
California Bay News 
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