California Gubernatorial Race Heats Up with 10 Candidates

Democrats and Republicans vie for the state's top job in crowded primary field

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:08pm

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The California secretary of state's office has confirmed that 10 candidates, including 8 Democrats and 2 Republicans, have officially filed paperwork to run in the state's gubernatorial primary election on June 2. The wide-open race features several high-profile contenders, raising concerns among Democratic leaders about the potential for a Republican faceoff in the general election if the Democratic vote is fragmented.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a closely watched contest that could have significant implications for the state's policies and national politics. With a crowded field of candidates, there are concerns that the Democratic vote could be split, potentially allowing two Republicans to advance to the general election in November.

The details

The 10 candidates who have filed paperwork to run are: Xavier Becerra (D), Chad Bianco (R), Steve Hilton (R), Matt Mahan (D), Katie Porter (D), Tom Steyer (D), Eric Swalwell (D), Tony Thurmond (D), Antonio Villaraigosa (D), and Betty Yee (D). The secretary of state's office will verify the paperwork and publish an official list of primary candidates by March 21. The top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party, will advance to the general election.

  • The candidate filing deadline was on Friday, March 12, 2026.
  • The secretary of state's office will publish the official list of primary candidates by March 21, 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election will be held on June 2, 2026.

The players

Xavier Becerra

A Democrat and former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary and former California Attorney General.

Chad Bianco

A Republican and Riverside County Sheriff.

Steve Hilton

A Republican and Fox News contributor, former adviser to conservative British prime minister David Cameron.

Matt Mahan

A Democrat and mayor of San Jose.

Tom Steyer

A Democrat and billionaire entrepreneur, former presidential candidate.

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What they’re saying

“When that happens, that person is going to surge up and the other (Republican is) going to go down, it's as simple as that.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa, Former mayor of Los Angeles and former Assembly Speaker

“I think it is terrifying to think about what Trump would do to Californians if we had a governor who at every turn cooperated with him rather than stood up for our California values. So I don't think it's a certainty, but I do think it's a risk, and I think the stakes are very, very, very high.”

— Katie Porter, Former U.S. representative representing Orange County

What’s next

The secretary of state's office will publish the official list of primary candidates by March 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The crowded field of candidates in the California gubernatorial race raises concerns about the potential for a Republican faceoff in the general election if the Democratic vote is fragmented. Democratic leaders are urging some candidates to drop out, but the candidates themselves remain confident in their ability to win over voters.