The political landscape in California is set for a seismic shift as Governor Gavin Newsom approaches his term limit in 2026. The race to succeed him is already wide open, with a remarkably crowded field of contenders stepping forward.
More than 95 candidates have submitted preliminary paperwork expressing their intent to run, signalling a highly competitive and volatile election cycle ahead. The official filing period begins on 9 February, but the early jockeying for position is well underway.
A Wide-Open Primary Field
Current polling suggests no clear frontrunner has yet emerged. A survey from UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies in early November indicated nearly half of voters remain undecided. The absence of several high-profile Democrats, including Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla, has further contributed to the unpredictable nature of the contest.
California employs a unique "top-two" primary system. All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will compete in a single primary on 2 June 2026. Only the two highest vote-getters will advance to the general election later that year, making coalition-building and broad appeal critical.
The Key Democratic Contenders
The Democratic field is packed with familiar names, each bringing distinct political brands to the campaign.
Katie Porter, the former Orange County congresswoman known for her sharp questioning of corporate executives and signature whiteboard, is an early contender. However, her campaign has faced challenges recently, including negative publicity from a tense interview and internal staff disputes.
Xavier Becerra offers decades of California political experience, having served as a state assemblyman, congressman, and Attorney General before becoming President Biden's Health Secretary. His campaign focuses on affordability, though it has been complicated by a former aide's guilty plea for campaign fund theft.
Other notable Democrats include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congressman Eric Swalwell, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, former State Comptroller Betty Yee, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and former Assemblyman Ian Calderon, who is positioning himself as a candidate for generational change.
The Republican Hopefuls
While Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage in California, the state's primary system offers a path for Republican candidates to reach the final ballot.
The most prominent GOP figure is Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff. A staunch MAGA-aligned candidate, Bianco has gained attention for defying COVID-19 mandates and taking a hardline stance on immigration, mirroring the rhetoric of Donald Trump.
The other major Republican candidate is Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Hilton's campaign leans less on culture war issues and more on traditional conservative platforms of tax and spending cuts, alongside a pledge to improve housing affordability.
With the election still distant, the field is likely to evolve. Yet the sheer number of candidates and the unique primary rules guarantee a fiercely contested and closely watched battle to lead America's most populous state.
