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.
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
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.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘Too damn hard to build’: A key California Democrat’s push for speedier construction
Oakland Democrat Buffy Wicks said California lawmakers will soon see 20 bills to speed up housing construction, along with more on energy, water and transit.
Posted inLatest News
A California sheriff is planning to break the state’s sanctuary law. Here’s how
California passed a sanctuary state law to protect immigrants during the first Trump administration. Now, Amador County’s sheriff wants to test it at the beginning of the second.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
State schools superintendent Tony Thurmond announces 2026 bid for California governor
Tony Thurmond, the superintendent of public instruction, becomes the second Democrat to launch a campaign for California governor in a race that is still three years away.