Progressive former state controller Betty Yee said Monday that she is dropping out of the race to succeed Gavin Newsom amid faltering polling and poor fundraising.
Election 2026: California governor
Coverage from Lookout and content partners of the 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor of California.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California Democrats can’t decide on a governor. Don’t count on Newsom or Pelosi for help
Even after Rep. Eric Swalwell’s swift and sudden exit, the race for California governor is still frustratingly murky on the Democratic side, with seven major candidates splitting the vote. As party faithful hope for divine intervention, heavyweights such as the current governor and the speaker emerita refuse to weigh in.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
What Santa Cruz County should look for in California’s next governor – the poll leaders aren’t right for us
Santa Cruz County shouldn’t rely on early polls or political hype when choosing its next governor, writes Casey Beyer, former CEO for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce. With a crowded field, volatile race dynamics and many undecided voters, front-runners might not reflect local priorities. Instead, Beyer believes our focus should be on candidates who address housing, jobs, homelessness and climate resilience. He sees Betty Yee and Matt Mahan as contenders who will be most aligned with the county’s needs, despite trailing in statewide polls.
Posted inEducation
California’s next governor to face tough choices for education as state budget tightens
Coalitions of school districts are grumbling about new program overload and are calling on the next governor and the California Legislature to focus on raising base funding.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Trump endorses Republican Steven Hilton for California governor, reordering wide-open race
President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for California governor, reordering a crowded, wide-open race to lead the nation’s most populous state.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Two Republicans are fighting for California governor. Why a tie is their best strategy
Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco need to split the vote nearly evenly to lock Democrats out of the race for California governor. Their strategy? Attack each other relentlessly.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A messy California governor’s race raises Democratic fears of potential loss
For the first time in a generation, the California governor’s contest is being defined by uncertainty, not inevitability, as a crowded Democratic field could boost Republicans’ chances in the “top two” June primary.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Does California’s race for governor finally have a leader? Swalwell sees attacks from left and right
In a wide-open contest ahead of a June primary, a burst of negative publicity aimed at the Democratic U.S. House member suggests that Eric Swalwell’s leading rivals see him gaining momentum in a race that has been overshadowed by international wars, turmoil in Washington and soaring gas prices.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
In a wide-open Democratic primary for governor, 6 candidates converge on Central Coast
Similarly policy-minded Democrats aimed to differentiate themselves on housing, climate, business and wealth and more on Thursday evening as they debated for two hours in Monterey.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Who should be California’s next governor – and why Santa Cruz County should care
California’s 2026 gubernatorial election represents a potential inflection point, writes former Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce CEO Casey Beyer. Not necessarily a partisan realignment, but a structural one: a fractured Democratic field, competitive Republicans and a volatile political environment shaped by economic pressure and federal conflict.