Newsom Says He's Ignoring California Governor's Race: 'Haven't Taken a Look'

Governor claims public doesn't seem to care much either about 'underwhelming' field of candidates

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has admitted that he is not engaged in the race to succeed him, claiming he hasn't 'taken a look' at the field of candidates and that the public doesn't seem to care much either. Newsom's comments come as Democrats grow increasingly concerned about the possibility of two Republicans, former Fox News host Steve Hilton and former Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, advancing to the general election and locking Democrats out of the race entirely.

Why it matters

Newsom's lack of engagement in the governor's race is seen as a concerning sign for Democrats, who are worried about the potential for a Republican victory in the deep-blue state of California. The race has drawn a crowded field of candidates, but Democratic support appears to be heavily splintered, potentially paving the way for a Republican upset.

The details

A recent poll showed Hilton leading the field with 14% support among likely voters, followed by Democrat Katie Porter at 13% and Bianco at 12%. Other Democrats in the race include Rep. Eric Swalwell, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, and former Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Newsom claimed he is more focused on other issues like his CARE Court program and energy supply, and blamed a 'series of circumstances' like the focus on Prop. 50 last year for distracting from the governor's race.

  • Newsom made the comments at a Monday press conference in Hayward about funding for CARE Court.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California who is not seeking re-election.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who is running as a Republican candidate for California governor.

Chad Bianco

The former Riverside County Sheriff who is running as a Republican candidate for California governor.

Katie Porter

A Democratic Congresswoman who is running for California governor.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman who is running for California governor.

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What they’re saying

“It's been hard to focus on that race. I honestly haven't taken a look, nor do I think the public has.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Newsom's lack of engagement in the California governor's race is a concerning sign for Democrats, who are worried about the potential for a Republican upset in the deep-blue state. The crowded field of candidates, with Democratic support heavily splintered, could pave the way for a Republican victory if Newsom and other party leaders don't get more involved in the race.