California’s 2026 Gubernatorial Race Takes Shape
Ten hopefuls from both parties vie to succeed termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026.
Candidates running for California Governor. Left to right, top row: Antonio Villaraigosa, Betty Yee, Chad Bianco, Eric Swalwell. Bottom row: Katie Porter, Matt Mahan, Steve Hilton (photo by Gage Skidmore), Tom Steyer (photo by Gage Skidmore), Xavier Becerra.
CALIFORNIA — The final deadline for candidates to file paperwork for California’s 2026 gubernatorial election passed on March 6. Ten candidates submitted declarations and met the requirements to appear on the June 2 primary ballot. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will not run, as California’s term limits bar him from seeking a third term following his elections in 2018 and 2022.
California uses a top-two primary system. Every candidate competes together on June 2, and the top two finishers advance to the November 3 general election regardless of their party. The secretary of state’s office will verify all filings and release the official ballot list by March 21. Even candidates who later drop out will remain on the primary ballot.
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks had urged candidates without a clear path to the general election to withdraw before the deadline. Eight Democrats filed anyway, along with two Republicans.
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of the Bay Area leads some recent polls among Democrats. He is also the favorite in prediction betting markets, with the platform Kalshi giving him over 60% odds of winning the office as of March 16. The former prosecutor gained national attention for his role in the second impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump.
Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, ranks near the top in surveys. She built a following by using whiteboards to question corporate executives in congressional hearings.
Billionaire entrepreneur Tom Steyer, who ran briefly for president in 2020, has poured tens of millions into his campaign. The climate activist and former hedge-fund manager emphasizes priorities such as lowering electricity and housing costs.
On the Republican side, former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton often polls at or near the front. The British-born former adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron has called California “America’s worst-run state” in a recent book.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a longtime law enforcement officer elected in 2018, is the other Republican candidate. He has endorsements from numerous police organizations and focuses on crime and public safety.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who also served as Assembly speaker, is among the other Democrats. He ran for governor unsuccessfully in 2018.
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former state Controller Betty Yee complete the Democratic field.
Recent polls show a fragmented race with no dominant frontrunner and about one-quarter of voters undecided. Affordability, housing, and responses to federal policies have surfaced as early campaign themes.