California’s 2026 governor’s race remains wide open with no clear frontrunner
The 2026 California governor's race is shaping up to be a wide-open contest, with nearly 40% of voters still undecided. This comes as several prominent Democrats and Republicans have expressed interest or are considering a run, while some high-profile figures have already ruled out a bid.
Among the Democrats, Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Secretary of State Xavier Becerra, ex-Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, State Controller Betty Yee, and businessman Stephen Cloobeck are all in the mix. However, former Vice President Kamala Harris has already confirmed she will not be running. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, who gained public attention after being tackled by federal agents in 2023, has also decided against a gubernatorial run, choosing instead to focus on countering President Trump's agenda in Congress.
On the Republican side, Riverside County District Attorney Chad Bianco and political commentator Steve Hilton are among those considering a run. Despite the growing list of contenders, no clear favorite has emerged, leaving the race wide open. Billionaire developer Rick Caruso is also weighing a run, but it's not yet clear whether he'll aim for the governor's mansion or the Los Angeles mayor's office.
With Governor Gavin Newsom still in office and no definitive list of candidates published, the 2026 California gubernatorial race is still in its early stages. As the field continues to take shape, voters can expect to see a lively and competitive race unfold in the coming months and years.
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