California has the second-highest electricity bills in the nation, and no candidate for governor has homed in as much as climate investor Tom Steyer. But is his promise to cut bills 25% realistic?
California governor’s race 2026
Coverage from Lookout and content partners of the 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor of California.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a frequent Newsom critic, jumps into California governor’s race
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan on Thursday announced he’s joining the crowded race for California governor, casting himself as a moderate Democrat with a track record of tackling some of the state’s most persistent issues including homelessness and crime.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Building homes is a top priority for California Democrats again this year. Voters could get a say
California Democrats are eager to advance a pair of bond measures to fund affordable housing construction, but lack enthusiasm for tenant rights protections as a controversial rent control measure bites the dust for a second consecutive year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer joins race to succeed Newsom as California governor
Liberal billionaire Tom Steyer raised his profile as a foe to President Donald Trump when he spent $13 million on ads touting Proposition 50. Now, Steyer is jumping into the 2026 California governor’s race.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Republicans hate government ‘overreach.’ Most are quiet on Trump’s military in L.A.
California Republicans who agreed to speak with CalMatters endorsed President Donald Trump’s military deployment in Los Angeles as necessary to save the state from its Democratic leadership.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A Fox News host? A sheriff? Is there a Republican who can finally win statewide in California again?
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, and Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff, lead the field of Republicans who hope to snap a long GOP losing streak in next year’s California governor’s race.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Xavier Becerra jumps into crowded race for California governor
In a short video Wednesday announcing his candidacy, former California attorney general Xavier Becerra noted that he had experience fighting Donald Trump after suing his first administration more than 100 times.
Posted inEducation
California’s schools chief has a $200,000 salary and a side gig
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, a candidate for California governor in 2026, has regularly worked side jobs at Bay Area nonprofits to earn extra income because he says the state pay is insufficient.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Republicans say they’re making a comeback. Can they keep Trump at arm’s length?
At their spring convention over the weekend, California Republicans moved to capitalize on their November victories and break the Democratic supermajority in Sacramento while balancing the influence of President Donald Trump.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Katie Porter vows to stand up to Trump as she enters race for California governor
After months of hinting that she would run, former Orange County congressmember Katie Porter formally launched her 2026 gubernatorial campaign Monday with a video posted to social media in which she touts her independence from corporate interests and lambastes President Donald Trump.