California Governor Race Heats Up as Voting Nears

A crowded field of candidates vies for the state's top job as Democrats fear being shut out of the general election.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes in warm earth tones, conceptually representing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the California governor's race.The crowded field of candidates in the California governor's race reflects the state's political dynamism and the potential for unexpected outcomes.Today in Sacramento

The race to replace outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom has become a messy and wide-open contest, with a diverse array of candidates from both parties jockeying for position ahead of the state's unique top-two primary system. Democrats worry their crowded field could divide the party's vote and allow two Republicans to advance to the general election in November, despite the party's dominance in the state.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is a high-stakes contest that will shape the direction of the nation's most populous state for the next four years. With no clear Democratic frontrunner, the primary could produce unexpected results and shift the political landscape in the country's largest blue state.

The details

The race features a mix of established politicians, political outsiders, and high-profile personalities. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a vocal supporter of former President Trump, has stirred controversy by seizing ballots to investigate a discrepancy. Conservative commentator and Trump ally Brian Hilton has also entered the race. On the Democratic side, Congresswoman Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former state Controller Betty Yee are among the prominent candidates, while former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are seeking to leverage their statewide experience.

  • Mail-in voting for the California governor's race is scheduled to begin in under a month.
  • The state's unique top-two primary system will take place in June, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the November general election.

The players

Chad Bianco

A Republican county sheriff who was first elected in Riverside County in 2018, Bianco is an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump and his policies. He has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement.

Brian Hilton

A conservative commentator with a show on Fox News for six years, Hilton also worked as an adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron. Trump endorsed Hilton's campaign last week.

Katie Porter

A former congressmember known for her confrontational style, Porter flipped a Republican-held seat in Orange County in 2018. She's one of only two prominent women in the running, in a state that has never elected a female governor.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire hedge-fund manager turned liberal activist, Steyer is mostly self-funding his run for governor after an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2020.

Matt Mahan

The San Jose mayor who became a frequent critic of Newsom before jumping into the race, Mahan casts himself as a moderate Democrat and has quickly amassed millions in support from Silicon Valley and other business leaders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Mail-in voting for the California governor's race is scheduled to begin in under a month, setting the stage for a high-stakes primary contest in June that could reshape the political landscape in the nation's largest blue state.

The takeaway

The California governor's race is shaping up to be a pivotal contest, with a diverse array of candidates vying for the state's top job and the potential for unexpected results that could have far-reaching implications.