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2026 California Governor’s Race

BySan Jose CAN

Updated: May 4, 2026.

California will elect its next governor in 2026. The election comes at an important moment for the state. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, cannot run again because the California Constitution limits governors to two terms. This means voters will choose a new leader to guide the state through the next four years. (Wikipedia)

The race has attracted many candidates from different professional and political backgrounds. Several are experienced public officials, while

others come from business, law, or activism. Because the field is large and competitive, the outcome of the election remains uncertain.

The race has attracted many candidates from different professional and political backgrounds. Several are experienced public officials, while others come from business, law, or activism. Because the field is large and competitive, the outcome of the election remains uncertain.

This article explains the voting process, why voter registration is essential, and who the major candidates are. Updated April 18, 2026, 8:23 AM (PST).

Key Dates for the 2026 California Governor Election

California uses a two-step election system for statewide offices.

Primary Election

The first round of voting is the primary election.

  • Primary Election Day: June 2, 2026
  • Last Day to Register to Vote for the Primary: May 18, 2026
  • Ballots mailed to registered voters: Beginning May 4, 2026
  • Ballot drop-off locations open: May 5, 2026

All active registered voters automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Voters may return their ballot by mail, deliver it to a drop-off location, or vote in person. (California Secretary of State)

General Election

After the primary, the top two candidates move to the general election.

  • General Election Day: November 3, 2026 (Wikipedia)

California uses a “top-two” primary system, sometimes called a “jungle primary.” All candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of political party. The two candidates with the highest vote totals advance to the general election even if they belong to the same party. (Reuters)

Why Voter Registration Matters

Voting is a fundamental civic responsibility. In California, residents must register before they can participate in elections.

There are several reasons voter registration is essential:

1. Legal Eligibility

Election officials must verify that each voter is a United States citizen and a California resident who meets the voting requirements. Registration confirms eligibility.

2. Ballot Delivery

California mails ballots to registered voters. If a person is not registered, election officials do not send a ballot.

3. Protection of Election Integrity

Registration helps maintain accurate voter rolls and reduces the risk of fraudulent voting.

4. Civic Participation

Registering to vote ensures that individuals have a voice in choosing leaders who shape policies on housing, education, public safety, healthcare, environmental protection, and economic development.

When citizens fail to register, their voices remain unheard in the democratic process.

Major Candidates Running for California Governor (as of April 18, 2026)

1. Tom Steyer (Democrat)

  • Who he is: Billionaire investor and climate activist
  • Public office experience: None.
  • Tom Steyer launched his high-profile campaign to impeach President Trump in October 2017. He initiated a $10 million television and digital ad campaign, including a petition under the banner “Need to Impeach,” arguing that Trump was a danger to the country. CNN

Policy Positions

  • Aggressive climate action
  • Renewable energy expansion
  • Higher taxes on wealthy individuals
  • Large-scale public investment in jobs and infrastructure

Position in Race

  • Strong due to self-funded campaign and media saturation
  • Leading Democrat in some projections (Business Insider)

2. Katie Porter (Democrat)

  • Who she is: Former U.S. Representative
  • Public office experience:
    • U.S. House (2019–2025)

Policy Positions

  • Consumer protection
  • Lower healthcare and prescription drug costs
  • Corporate accountability
  • Middle-class economic relief

Position in Race

  • Strong name recognition
  • Competing for same voter base as other Democrats (CalMatters)

3. Xavier Becerra (Democrat)

  • Who he is: Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • Public office experience:
    • U.S. Secretary of HHS
    • California Attorney General
    • U.S. Representative

Policy Positions

  • Expand healthcare access
  • Protect Affordable Care Act
  • Reproductive rights protections
  • Moderate Democratic governance

Position in Race

  • Recently gained momentum
  • Qualified for major debate stage (Reuters)

4. Steve Hilton (Republican)

  • Who he is: Former Fox News host; former adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron
  • Public office experience:
    • No elected office
    • Senior policy adviser (UK government)

Policy Positions

  • Reduce size of state government
  • Lower taxes and regulations
  • Expand school choice
  • Tough-on-crime policies
  • Reduce homelessness through enforcement and reform

Position in Race

  • Leading due to unified Republican support
  • Benefits from split Democratic vote (Reuters)

5. Chad Bianco (Republican)

  • Who he is: Riverside County Sheriff
  • Public office experience:
    • Sheriff (2019–present)

Policy Positions

  • Strong law enforcement and public safety
  • Opposition to pandemic mandates
  • Stricter criminal justice policies
  • Conservative immigration stance

Position in Race

  • Consistent top-two contender
  • Could advance to general election with Hilton (NBC Los Angeles)

6. Matt Mahan (Democrat)

  • Who he is: Mayor of San Jose
  • Public office experience:
    • Mayor (2023–present)

Policy Positions

  • Focus on homelessness solutions
  • Government efficiency and accountability
  • Public safety improvements
  • Tech-driven economic growth

Position in Race

  • Mid-tier candidate
  • Reached debate threshold (Reuters)

7. Antonio Villaraigosa (Democrat)

  • Who he is: Former Mayor of Los Angeles
  • Public office experience:
    • Mayor of Los Angeles
    • Speaker of California Assembly

Policy Positions

  • Infrastructure investment
  • Education reform
  • Job creation and economic development
  • Moderate Democratic platform

Position in Race

  • Experienced but struggling to gain traction (CalMatters)

8. Tony Thurmond (Democrat)

  • Who he is: California Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Public office experience:
    • State Superintendent (current)
    • State Assembly

Policy Positions

  • Increase education funding
  • Student mental health support
  • Equity in public schools
  • Anti-poverty programs

Position in Race

9. Other Candidates (Minor Field)

  • Includes independents, third-party candidates, and lesser-known entrants
  • Most have no public office experience
  • Polling support is negligible (<1%)

Key Takeaways

  • No clear frontrunner exists, even the leader is below 20% (The Washington Post)
  • Republicans currently lead, which is unusual in California (Los Angeles Times)
  • The Democratic vote is split across many candidates
  • California’s top-two primary system means party does not guarantee advancement
  • A Republican vs. Republican general election is possible, though not certain (The Washington Post)

Why the 2026 Race Is Considered Wide Open

Political analysts describe the 2026 election as one of the most unpredictable gubernatorial races in California in decades. There is no clear front-runner, and many voters remain undecided. (Los Angeles Times)

Several factors contribute to this uncertainty:

  • A large number of candidates
  • A competitive top-two primary system
  • No incumbent candidate running
  • A high percentage of undecided voters

The crowded field also raises the possibility that unexpected candidates could advance to the general election.

The Importance of Public Participation

The governor of California holds enormous influence. The office oversees the world’s fourth-largest economy and controls major policy areas including:

  • State budgets and taxation
  • Environmental regulation
  • Housing and homelessness programs
  • Public education
  • Transportation and infrastructure
  • Emergency management and disaster response

The governor also appoints judges, signs or vetoes legislation, and sets the direction for state agencies.

For these reasons, voter participation in the election is critical.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 California governor’s race will determine who leads the state through major challenges such as housing affordability, climate change, economic inequality, and public safety.

The election will occur in two stages:

  • June 2, 2026 — Primary Election
  • November 3, 2026 — General Election

Registered voters will decide which two candidates advance from the crowded field to the final contest.

Citizens who wish to participate must register to vote before May 18, 2026. Registering ensures that voters receive their ballot and can participate in choosing the next leader of California.

The decision should ultimately rests with the voters.

Disclosure and Disclaimer: This article was prepared by San Jose CAN with the assistance of artificial intelligence for research and editorial support. While the information presented is believed to be accurate, it is provided for general informational purposes only. Readers are responsible for conducting their own independent research and verification before relying on or acting on any information in this article.