Voters won’t weigh in for more than two years — the primary election is not until June 2026 — but the race to be California’s next governor is already growing crowded with major contenders.
Outgoing state Senate leader Toni Atkins today became the latest high-ranking Democrat to declare their candidacy, holding a kickoff rally packed with union members in her hometown of San Diego.
Three other prominent hopefuls — all current or former statewide elected officials looking for a promotion — have announced their intentions to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who terms out in 2027, and there are likely to be even more who jump in. It’s a reflection of the scramble to gain an upper hand in what is likely to be a fierce contest, as well as the tremendous resources required to mount a serious campaign in California’s first open race for governor in eight years.
“They’re letting their intentions be known so they can wave the flag,” said Andrew Acosta, a Democratic political consultant who is not affiliated with any of the campaigns. “You need to consolidate, you need to get in the game, you need to go talk to donors.”
Atkins follows Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who was the first out of the gate last April, touting the opportunities that California gave her immigrant father. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined the race in September with a video tracking his rise from poverty. And former Controller Betty Yee said she will run for governor, though she has yet to formally launch her campaign.
Attorney General Rob Bonta, who acknowledged last year that he is “seriously considering” seeking the governorship, is still expected to make a bid. Then there’s the question of who might carry the banner for the Republican Party,…
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