California Governor Race Heats Up as Voting Begins in a Month

A crowded field of candidates from both parties vie for the state's top job as Newsom's term ends.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A vibrant, fragmented painting depicting the California state capitol building in overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes of deep blue, golden yellow, and crimson red, conveying the energy and uncertainty surrounding the state's governor's race.The crowded field of candidates vying to lead California into the next chapter has created a high-stakes political battle with major implications for the state and the nation.San Jose Today

The race to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom has grown increasingly competitive and messy, with a crowded field of candidates from both parties vying for the state's top job. The stunning collapse of Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign has upended the contest, where no clear Democratic frontrunner has emerged and the state's unpredictable top-two primary system has Democrats worried they may be shut out of the general election.

Why it matters

California is the nation's most populous state and a Democratic stronghold, so the outcome of the governor's race could have significant implications for the party's national agenda. The crowded field and divisive primary battle also raise concerns about party unity heading into the general election.

The details

The candidates include a Republican county sheriff, a former Fox News commentator, a progressive billionaire, the mayor of San Jose, the state's former controller, the former U.S. Health Secretary, and a former Los Angeles mayor. They are jockeying for position and debating issues like election integrity, identity politics, and their records in public service.

  • Mail-in voting for the California governor's race is scheduled to begin in under a month.
  • The state's top-two primary system will put all candidates on one ballot, with only 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 who had a show on Fox News for six years and also worked as an adviser to former British prime minister David Cameron.

Katie Porter

A former congressmember known for her confrontational style, Porter flipped a Republican-held seat in Orange County in 2018 and also made an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

Tom Steyer

A billionaire hedge-fund manager who turned into a liberal activist, Steyer is mostly bankrolling 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 in the race in January, casting himself as a moderate Democrat and quickly amassing millions of dollars in support from Silicon Valley and other business leaders.

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What’s next

The top two vote-getters in the June primary will advance to the November general election, where the winner will replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The takeaway

The California governor's race has become a high-stakes battle for the future direction of the state, with a diverse field of candidates offering vastly different visions. The outcome could have significant implications for the Democratic Party's national agenda and the state's political landscape.