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.
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
Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132 million campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan dominated fellow Democrats in fundraising, bringing in $13 million, the most recent campaign finance disclosures show. Katie Porter raised $2.8 million, Xavier Becerra brought in $1 million, Antonio Villaraigosa raised $707,000 and Tony Thurmond raised just $62,000.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California’s woes at the center of debate among leading candidates for governor
A televised debate among six leading candidates for California governor Wednesday underscored sharp partisan divides on issues from homelessness to taxes, while the Democrats sought to distinguish themselves from each other in a chaotic race with no clear leader.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Lagging in polls and fundraising, Betty Yee drops out of California governor’s race
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.
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.
