Who’s Running to Replace Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026?
California will have a new governor in 2026 as Gavin Newsom is unable to run for re-election due to term limits. A variety of candidates from both major political parties are already vying for the position. Here's a look at some of the people officially running for governor:
Chad Bianco (R)
Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, announced his run for governor on President’s Day. He promises to bring change to California, which he believes has been "broken" by Democratic leaders. Bianco blames high crime rates, homelessness, taxes, and the cost of living on these officials. Having been in law enforcement for over 30 years, Bianco has a tough-on-crime stance and was a supporter of Donald Trump in 2024. He first became sheriff in 2018 and moved to California in 1989.
Antonio Villaraigosa (D)
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is back in the race for governor. At 71, Villaraigosa previously ran for governor in 2018 but lost to Newsom. He served as Los Angeles mayor from 2005 to 2013 and has held several key political roles, including on the City Council and in the state Assembly. He briefly considered running in 2010 but chose to stay as mayor. Recently, he worked as an infrastructure advisor for the state.
Toni Atkins (D)
Toni Atkins is the former Speaker of the California State Assembly and has served in California politics for years. She was elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and made history as the first openly gay Speaker in 2014. Atkins later became the Senate President pro Tempore in 2017, becoming the first woman and the first openly LGBTQ person to hold the position. She represented San Diego in the Senate and has been a key figure in California politics.
Eleni Kounalakis (D)
Eleni Kounalakis has served as California’s Lieutenant Governor since 2019, becoming the first woman to hold that role. Before stepping into state politics, she was President Obama’s Ambassador to Hungary. Kounalakis has a background in international trade and investment, having been appointed to lead the California Advisory Council on these issues by Governor Jerry Brown in 2014.
Tony Thurmond (D)
Tony Thurmond is the current California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He announced his run for governor, promising to be a voice for the people who are struggling in California, particularly with rising inequality and challenges in the education system. Thurmond is focused on improving school funding and speeding up the state’s transition to renewable energy. Before becoming Superintendent in 2019, he served on the West Contra Costa School Board, the Richmond City Council, and in the state Assembly.
Betty Yee (D)
Betty Yee, the former state Controller, is also running for governor. She served as Controller from 2014 and previously worked as the state’s budget director. Yee’s platform includes making California more affordable and accountable. She is committed to addressing climate change and bringing transparency to Sacramento, with a focus on improving opportunities for youth, families, and communities.
These candidates have big plans for the future of California, and the race for governor will likely become more competitive as we get closer to 2026.
