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.
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
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.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How 9 California Democrats could sabotage their party’s race for governor
State Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks warned that the nine Democrats currently in the governor’s race could split the primary vote and send two Republicans to the November ballot.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gubernatorial candidates due in Monterey for March debate
Xavier Becerra, Ian Calderon, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee are slated to be on hand March 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey for the only gubernatorial debate scheduled for the Central Coast.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Q&A: Matt Mahan on how growing up in Watsonville shaped run for California governor
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was raised in Watsonville, says his working-class upbringing in the Pajaro Valley — shaped by immigrant farmworker communities, Catholic schooling and parents who lived paycheck to paycheck — informs his bid for California governor.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Republican Steve Hilton leads California governor fundraising as large pool of Democrats lags
It takes tens of millions of dollars to run a statewide campaign for governor. Strategists say the many Democratic candidates aren’t raising money quickly enough.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Tom Steyer vows to cut electricity bills by 25%, but experts say the details fall short
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?
