Two Democrats and a Republican were leading in early returns Tuesday in California’s crowded primary for governor, a campaign that tested voters’ appetites for an experienced politician or candidates promising change.
Election 2026: California governor
Coverage from Lookout and content partners of the 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor of California.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Tom Steyer says the right things. His record says otherwise.
Rose K. Murphy argues that Tom Steyer’s environmental and economic rhetoric clashes with the investment record of the hedge fund he built at Farallon Capital Management. From water rights fights in Colorado to private prisons and overseas fossil fuel projects, the Watsonville resident writes that Steyer, now running for California governor, has never fully answered for the profits tied to environmental damage and corporate exploitation.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Who’s ahead in the California governor’s race?
Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are holding on to the lead in the latest poll ahead of the California governor election. That’s according to the Public Policy Institute of California, which surveyed 986 likely voters earlier this month.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What would get Gen Z to vote in California’s primary? These candidates are trying
Historical voter turnout data show that voters aged 29 and younger disproportionately sit out primary elections in California compared to the general voting population. Still, a few gubernatorial candidates have been targeting young voters in their campaigns, particularly through social media and college organizations.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Follow the money: Who’s backing California’s next governor — and why
Billionaires, Big Oil and other interests are spending big to influence the California governor’s race, making for the most expensive primary campaign in state history.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California governor front-runner Xavier Becerra’s playbook: Never say you’re sorry
Democratic front-runner for California governor Xavier Becerra has dodged weeks of criticism about his record. His dismissals reflect a confident position near the top of the polls.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Governor YIMBY: In California’s unsettled race, most candidates see eye-to-eye on housing
On zoning, permitting, fees and NIMBY obstruction, the top candidates vying to become California’s next governor all say the state needs to make it easier to build more homes.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Panicked California Democrats are pushing a risky strategy: Wait till the last minute to vote
Recent polling suggests it’s unlikely that two Republicans would lock Democrats out of the November gubernatorial election. But some liberal activists are still panicking about the possibility of a MAGA governor. Their solution could delay California’s already slow ballot-counting.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
For the lone woman left in the California governor’s race, it’s all about ‘temperament’
Onetime progressive darling Katie Porter’s campaign for California governor stalled over viral videos that critics say showed temperament issues. Seven months later, they’re still her biggest liability.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California governor candidates clash on taxes, Trump and healthcare in lively debate
The leading candidates for California governor clashed in a lively debate Tuesday on everything from a proposed tax on billionaires to state-funded healthcare for immigrants in the country illegally.
