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2026 California gubernatorial election
California’s 2026 gubernatorial election is an open-seat race for governor, the state’s top executive office, because Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited. Under California’s top-two primary system, the June 2 primary will determine which two candidates advance to the November general election. The race matters because California is heavily Democratic overall, but recent polling has shown a competitive field and a possible path for Republicans if they split the Democratic vote; key contrasts center on affordability, housing, taxes, public safety, regulation, and how aggressively the next governor should confront or work with Donald Trump.
Candidates
Chad Bianco is the Riverside County sheriff and a Republican candidate for governor. In April 2026, reporting on the race highlighted his campaign’s emphasis on deregulation, lower taxes, public safety, and opposition to Democratic environmental policies, while also noting his effort to recount ballots from a Riverside County special election that is on hold amid legal challenges. He is running as a law-and-order conservative with support from some law-enforcement groups.
Steve Hilton is a Republican candidate for governor and a former political adviser and media commentator. In April 2026 coverage, he was described as one of the two leading Republicans in the race, campaigning on deregulation, lower taxes, cheaper energy, and a program he calls “CalDOGE” to target waste and fraud in state government. He is running as an outsider with prior experience in U.K. politics and U.S. media.
Eric Swalwell is a Democratic member of Congress from California’s 14th District and a candidate for governor. In March and April 2026 polling and coverage, he emerged as one of the leading Democrats in the crowded primary, with his campaign emphasizing affordability, public safety, and opposition to Donald Trump. He is one of several high-profile Democrats competing for a place in California’s top-two primary runoff.
Katie Porter is a former U.S. representative from Orange County and a Democratic candidate for governor. In April 2026 coverage, she remained among the leading Democrats in the race, with her campaign centered on affordability, consumer protection, and a more confrontational approach to corporate and political power. She is running as a progressive-leaning Democrat with a record in Congress and as a law professor.
Antonio Villaraigosa is a former Los Angeles mayor and a Democratic candidate for governor. He remains in the crowded top-two primary field, where his campaign has focused on affordability, housing, and state management experience. He is running as a centrist Democrat with a long record in California politics.
Xavier Becerra is a former California attorney general and former U.S. health and human services secretary who is running for governor as a Democrat. He remains in the crowded primary field, where his campaign has emphasized experience in state and federal government and a focus on affordability and public services. He is running as a mainstream Democrat with a long record in California and national office.
Matt Mahan is the mayor of San Jose and a Democratic candidate for governor. In April 2026 coverage, he was described as a late entrant who has struggled to gain traction despite significant Silicon Valley support, and he has tried to distinguish himself with a more business-friendly, reform-oriented message. He is running as a moderate Democrat focused on affordability, housing, and government efficiency.
Tom Steyer is a billionaire environmental activist and Democratic candidate for governor. In April 2026 coverage, he was described as one of the most visible Democrats in the race, using substantial self-funding and a campaign focused on affordability, climate, and economic relief. He is running as a high-profile progressive with extensive national political involvement.
Tony Thurmond is California’s state superintendent of public instruction and a Democratic candidate for governor. He remains in the crowded primary field, where his campaign has emphasized education, affordability, and public services. He is running as a statewide elected official with a background in local and state government.
Betty Yee is a former California state controller and a Democratic candidate for governor. She remains in the crowded primary field, where her campaign has emphasized fiscal management, affordability, and state budget issues. She is running as a longtime California budget and finance official with experience in statewide office.
Polling
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/6/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.