List of contenders for California's gubernatorial race in 2026
California Governor Race Shapes Up for 2026
As Gavin Newsom's second term as California governor comes to an end in 2026, a crowded field of candidates is vying for the opportunity to lead the state. The race, which is open due to Newsom's term limit, features a large number of both Democrats and Republicans.
Democratic Frontrunners
Katie Porter, a former U.S. Representative from Orange County, has emerged as the clear Democratic frontrunner following former Vice President Kamala Harris' decision not to run. Porter's profile has been boosted by Harris' departure, making her a strong contender. Another prominent Democratic candidate is Xavier Becerra, who served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden and previously as California Attorney General.
Other notable Democrats in the race include Toni Atkins, the former California Senate leader, Betty Yee, the former State Comptroller, Tony Thurmond, the Secretary of Public Instruction, and Antonio Villaraigosa, the former Los Angeles Mayor. Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis initially showed interest but dropped out to run for state treasurer instead.
Republican Contenders
On the Republican side, Steve Hilton, a political commentator, is currently leading in polls with 12% backing. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is another Republican contender, with 7% support. The Republican Party has not won the California governorship since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011, and as of now, there is no dominant Republican candidate.
Green Party Candidates
As of mid-2025, there is no significant Green Party candidate reported for the 2026 California governor race. The race is currently dominated by Democrats and Republicans, with no evident Green Party frontrunners in the mainstream coverage.
Notable Figures
Chad Bianco, a well-known figure in the law enforcement community, is running for governor as a Republican. Butch Ware, an associate professor and former vice presidential nominee for the Green Party, is also in the race. Tony Thurmond, who served in the state assembly from 2014 to 2018, is another Democratic candidate.
Steve Hilton, who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, is a vocal supporter of President Trump and still contributes to Fox News. Butch Ware is also a hip-hop artist. Stephen Cloobeck, an American businessman who founded Diamond Resorts, a timeshare company, has long donated to Democratic causes. Cloobeck appeared on the TV show Undercover Boss.
In summary, Katie Porter leads among Democrats, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are notable Republicans, and there is no significant Green Party candidate reported for the 2026 California governor race as of mid-2025. The race remains wide-open and competitive, especially on the Democratic side, due to a plurality of voters remaining undecided. California elections use a top-two primary system open to all parties, but Democrats maintain a strong registration advantage (nearly 2-to-1 over Republicans).
- The migration of votes from one party to another in California, particularly from Democrats to Republicans, could significantly impact the 2026 governor race, as both parties have strong contenders.
- With the focus on policy-and-legislation, crime-and-justice, and general-news, the media is monitoring the ongoing debates between candidates about their stance on war-and-conflicts, immigration, and other pressing issues.
- Car-accidents and fires pose challenges for the next California governor, as addressed in campaigns, with candidates pledging greater investment in disaster response and mitigation strategies.
- Politics, as always, plays a crucial role in the 2026 California governor race, with Democrats holding a strong advantage in voter registration numbers, shaping the dynamic of the upcoming election.
