This November, Californians will head to the polls to elect a new governor. Incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who took office in 2019, is term-limited and ineligible to seek re-election to a third term.
Unlike most states, and beginning with Proposition 14 in 2010, California has utilized a nonpartisan-primary, also known as a “jungle primary” for most state-wide elected offices. That is, all candidates appear on the same primary ballot regardless of party. Voters can choose from any candidate, and the top two finishers in the primary advance to the general election, even if they are from the same party. California is a deeply Democratic state, and Republicans have not held the governorship since Arnold Schanzeneggar in 2006.
There are more than 62 candidates on the ballot for Governor of California. It is an unusually large field and the second-highest number of gubernatorial candidates in California history, behind only the 2003 recall election. Of 62 candidates, eight are major contenders. These include six Democrats as well as two Republicans. Due to the high number of Democratic candidates, concerns have been raised that the Democratic vote could splinter under California’s top-two primary system despite Democrats vastly outnumbering registered Republicans in the state.
The following are the top eight candidates, arranged from highest to lowest in public polling.
Steve Hilton (R): Hilton is a former Fox News host and adviser to then-U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron. Endorsed by President Donald Trump, Hilton’s campaign promise has been to “Make California Affordable Again.” Hilton has emphasized a “Califordable” agenda, focusing on reducing the high cost of living, with promises to lower the cost of gasoline to $3 a gallon, cut electric bills in half, and no state income tax on individuals making less than $100,000 a year.
Xavier Becerra (D): Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and former California Attorney General is campaigning on his experience in public office, spanning nearly 40 years. His platform is focused on providing universal, single-payer health care (CalCare), reducing the cost of living, defending against federal actions under the Trump administration, and expanding affordable housing. His campaign gained significant traction after then-frontrunner Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race on allegations of sexual assault.
Tom Steyer (D): Steyer is a billionaire environmental activist and former 2020 presidential candidate. A former hedge fund manager, his campaign is centered on reducing the cost of living, increasing housing, and significantly expanding the state’s investment into green energy. He has mainly self-funded his gubernatorial campaign, with total spending exceeding $150 million.
Chad Bianco (R): Bianco has served as Sheriff of Riverside County since 2019, and is running for Governor of California as a Republican. He has repeatedly criticized “failed Democrat policies” and aims to strengthen law enforcement, increase prison capacity, and force homeless individuals with mental and substance abuse disorders into treatment “whether they like it or not.”
Katie Porter (D): Porter, a former Congresswoman from Orange County, is running on a platform centered on affordability, corporate accountability, and acting as a staunch defender against the Trump administration. She has proposed a plan for free tuition at UCs, CSUs, and community colleges for all Californians. Initially a Democratic frontrunner, her campaign faced backlash following the resurfacing of a video which showed Porter berating her staff.
Matt Mahan (D): Mahan is a former tech executive and Mayor of San Jose. He has frequently cited his experience managing San Jose’s issues, including efforts to increase short-term housing, to justify his candidacy for governor. He has been backed by Silicon Valley tech executives and billionaires and opposes the proposed ballot initiative that would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of California residents worth over $1 billion.
Antonio Villagorsa (D): Villagorsa, who served as former Mayor of Los Angeles, has stated he will only serve one term if elected, focusing entirely on “making tough decisions” rather than future political campaigns. He has positioned himself as an experienced “problem-solver” who can bridge partisan divides, citing his tenure as Mayor. This is his second run for governor, following a 2018 bid.
Tony Thurmond (D): Thurmond is the current California Superintendent of Public Instruction. Term-limited, he is running for Governor to address the high cost of living, increase housing supply, and strengthen public education. He has positioned himself as the candidate for working families, highlighting his background growing up with financial insecurity. Despite his low polling, Thurmond has refused calls to step aside and stated his intention to remain in the race.
Even with mail-in-ballots arriving, the race is still widely considered open, and a large percentage of voters remain undecided. For many students in the graduating Arcadia High School (AHS) Class of 2026, the gubernatorial race will mark their first time voting ever and a milestone in their civic involvement. The primary election is on June 2nd, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election, scheduled on November 3rd. Learn more at https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/.
