Governor Race 2026

Californians may never know for sure, but the half-dozen existential issues imperiling the state, from high living costs to water supply, may have scared off some candidates for governor.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's State of the State address may hint at how he'll balance his last year as governor with his presidential campaign image.

So many Democratic candidates are running — none with high poll numbers — that two Republicans could end up winning the primary.

A few moments of controversy have touched an otherwise sleepy, wide open race to be California’s next governor.

The seven-term congressmember is running on protecting Californians from the Trump administration and from rising prices. While he’s developed a reputation as a professional GOP antagonist, the challenge will be proving he has what it takes to deliver on the elusive affordability promise.

Liberal billionaire Tom Steyer raised his profile as a foe to President Donald Trump when he spent $13 million on ads touting Proposition 50. Now, Steyer is jumping in the 2026 California governor's race.

Historically gubernatorial candidates take two years to build their campaigns, but this time people are jumping in and out of contention much later in the race.

What will California’s next governor do about health care? Four Democrats in the race say answering the Trump Administration’s cuts and making care affordable is important. But they disagree about how to pay for that.

Sen. Alex Padilla was never officially in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, but his national profile led many to believe that he'd be a favorite to win.

Ending feverish speculation that began after her loss in November’s presidential election, former Vice President Kamala Harris said she would not run for California governor.