Author: San Jose CAN
Date: March 2, 2026
California voters will elect a new governor in 2026 because the current governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited and cannot run again. The race is considered wide open, with multiple candidates from different political parties and no clear frontrunner at this stage. Polling has shown a large percentage of undecided voters, which reflects the competitive nature of the election.
California uses a nonpartisan primary system, also called a “top-two primary.” All candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party. The two candidates who receive the most votes in June advance to the November general election.
Primary Election: June 2, 2026
General Election: November 3, 2026
Important deadlines:
All active registered voters in California automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot. (California Secretary of State)
Below are the most prominent candidates currently running or publicly campaigning.
Steyer is a billionaire philanthropist and founder of an investment firm. He previously ran for president in 2020. His campaign focuses on reducing living costs, environmental policy, and economic reform. (TIME)
Katie Porter gained national recognition in Congress for her oversight hearings and anti-corporate accountability efforts. She previously ran for the U.S. Senate in 2024 but did not advance past the primary. Her campaign focuses on affordability, consumer protection, and government accountability. (ABC7 Los Angeles)
Becerra has decades of experience in government, including service in Congress and as California’s attorney general before joining the federal cabinet. His campaign emphasizes lowering health care costs and addressing affordability challenges across the state.
Villaraigosa has long experience in California politics and labor organizing. His campaign focuses on economic growth, housing affordability, and education reform.
Thurmond emphasizes public education funding, workforce preparation, and economic mobility, drawing on his background in education policy. (SFGATE)
Yee’s campaign centers on fiscal responsibility, tax fairness, and economic stability. Her financial oversight experience is a central theme of her platform. (SFGATE)
Swalwell focuses on affordability, public safety, and national security issues. He previously ran for president in 2020.
Mahan is a former technology entrepreneur who positions himself as a pragmatic moderate. His campaign emphasizes homelessness reduction, housing, and cost-of-living issues. (The Guardian)
Bianco is a longtime law enforcement officer and one of the leading Republican candidates. His campaign focuses on crime, immigration enforcement, and criticism of current state policies. (AP News)
Hilton promotes government reform, economic growth, and reducing regulatory burdens. He is known for his television commentary and policy advocacy work.
Other candidates include:
These candidates represent smaller parties or emerging campaigns within the broader field. (Wikipedia)
Several major issues dominate the campaign:
Candidates differ in their approaches, but affordability concerns remain the central theme across party lines. (SFGATE)
California is the largest state economy in the United States and often influences national policy trends. The next governor will shape:
Because the state has not had an incumbent candidate, the election presents a rare opportunity for political change and leadership transition.
As of mid-February 2026, the California governor’s race remains fluid. Many voters are still undecided, and campaigns are continuing to evolve before the June primary. Voter registration and participation will play a major role in determining which two candidates advance to the general election in November.
Disclosure and Disclaimer
This article was prepared by San Jose CAN with the assistance of artificial intelligence for research and editorial support. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Readers must independently verify all details and consult licensed professionals before taking action. No liability is assumed for reliance on this content.
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