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Gubernatorial Field Set; Now What?
California's 2026 governor's race has a crowded field of candidates with no clear frontrunner.
Published on Mar. 11, 2026
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After months of potential candidates entering and exiting the race, California's 2026 gubernatorial election has a field of eight Democrats and two Republicans, none of whom are polling above 14%. This unusual lack of a clear frontrunner creates a number of potential scenarios as the candidates jockey for a spot in the November runoff election.
Why it matters
The outcome of the June primary will determine whether a Republican or two Democrats make it to the general election in November. This will have significant implications for the policy direction of the state over the next four years, with the two wings of the Democratic Party offering vastly different visions.
The details
The eight Democratic candidates are all vying to finish in the top two in the June primary, which would secure them a spot in the November runoff. Meanwhile, the two Republican candidates, former TV commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, are hoping to finish 1-2 in the primary, as that would give the GOP its best chance at winning the governorship in the general election. Democratic leaders have urged some of the trailing candidates to drop out, but only one, Ian Calderon, has done so. The leading Democratic candidate may try to indirectly boost one of the Republican candidates into second place, in order to avoid facing another Democrat in November.
- The June 2 primary election will determine the top two candidates who advance to the November 3 general election.
- The November 3 general election will decide the next governor of California.
The players
Steve Hilton
A former television commentator running as a Republican candidate for governor.
Chad Bianco
The Riverside County Sheriff running as a Republican candidate for governor.
Adam Schiff
A Democrat who won a U.S. Senate seat two years ago after boosting a Republican opponent to secure a spot in the general election.
Tom Steyer
A billionaire Democratic candidate promising to deliver progressive policies like single-payer healthcare and utility breakups.
Matt Mahan
The mayor of San Jose running as a more moderate, budget-conscious Democrat.
What they’re saying
“Every one of these Democrats is itching and clawing to get to that sweet 20% that would guarantee them a place in the runoff.”
— Paul Mitchell, Political data guru (Politico)
What’s next
The June 2 primary election will determine the top two candidates who advance to the November 3 general election.
The takeaway
California's 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a battle between the Democratic Party's progressive and moderate wings, with the outcome set to have significant implications for the state's policy direction over the next four years.
