California Democrats Clash Over Vision for State's Future

Party leaders united against Trump but divided on addressing affordability crisis

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

While California Democrats are united in their opposition to President Trump, the party remains deeply divided over how to address the state's affordability crisis and who is best suited to lead as the next governor. A slate of Democratic candidates presented very different visions for the state at the party's annual convention in San Francisco, with some swinging left on issues like free childcare and tuition-free college, while others took a more centrist approach focused on basics like housing, homelessness, and public schools.

Why it matters

The California governor's race is shaping up to be a crucial battleground, with the next leader tasked with continuing the state's aggressive opposition to Trump while also grappling with the state's growing cost-of-living crisis. The divisions within the party reflect the broader challenges facing California, where utility costs keep climbing and the median home price is more than double the national average.

The details

At the convention, former Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer pitched progressive policies like universal healthcare and new taxes on the wealthy, while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan took a more centrist approach focused on improving public services. Rep. Eric Swalwell emerged with the most momentum after receiving the most votes for the party's endorsement, though none of the top candidates received the 60% needed to capture it. The candidates sniped at each other over issues like being too rich or beholden to special interests, while party leaders acknowledged the need to both fight Trump and address affordability concerns.

  • The California Democratic Party held its annual convention in San Francisco on February 22, 2026.

The players

Katie Porter

A former Democratic Congresswoman from Orange County who is running for California governor on a progressive platform including free childcare and tuition-free college.

Tom Steyer

A wealthy financier and Democratic candidate for California governor who is backing a proposed new tax on billionaires and supports universal healthcare.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose and a Democratic candidate for California governor who is taking a more centrist approach focused on issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and public schools.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from the San Francisco Bay Area who received the most votes for the California Democratic Party's endorsement in the governor's race.

Nancy Pelosi

The former Democratic Speaker of the House who spoke at the convention and expressed confidence that Democrats will win back control of the House in the 2022 midterm elections.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going to win the House. There's absolutely no question we will win the House. We're going to protect the election, we're going to win the election, and we're going to tell people the difference that we will make.”

— Nancy Pelosi, Former House Speaker

“The next governor has two jobs: one, to keep Donald Trump and ICE out of our streets and out of our lives, and two, to lower your costs on healthcare, on housing, on utilities. Californians need a fighter and protector, and for the last 10 years, I've gone on offense against the worst president ever.”

— Eric Swalwell, U.S. Congressman

“Here's the thing about big donors: If you take their money, you have to take their calls.”

— Tom Steyer

The takeaway

The divisions within the California Democratic Party reflect the broader challenges facing the state, where the next governor will need to balance fighting the Trump administration's policies while also addressing the state's growing affordability crisis. Voters will be looking for a candidate who can effectively take on both tasks, though the party remains deeply divided over the best path forward.