In the span of days, California’s gubernatorial race has had multiple political shakeups.
Rep. Eric Swalwell on Sunday abruptly dropped from the race amid sexual assault allegations but continues to refute the claims. A week earlier, President Donald Trump endorsed Republican candidate Steve Hilton, a move political experts believe will shape the outcome of June’s primary election.
With all the disruption, it brings into question: Who’s left in the running to replace the termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom?
Here’s what Californians should know about who’s running for California governor.
Top candidates vying for California’s governor’s seat
In California, there is a top-two primary system in which all candidates are listed on the same ballot. The top-two vote-getters move on to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation, meaning there is the potential for two candidates from the same party to face off in the general election.
A SurveyUSA poll released Tuesday, April 14, shows Democratic candidate Tom Steyer leading with 21% of likely voters and Hilton three percentage points behind at 18%.
Republican candidate Chad Bianco and Democratic candidate Katie Porter each share 8% of likely voters, while the remaining Democratic gubernatorial candidates — Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee, Matt Mahan, and Tony Thurmond — trail, each capturing 5% or less of voters.
Top Republicans running for California governor
Steve Hilton
Hilton is a former Fox News host and U.K. political strategist who is running for California governor on a platform focused on reducing taxes for workers and ending “the bureaucratic war on business.”
Hilton is running for California governor to “end the one-party rule” in the state, aiming to reverse state policies on energy, crime, and education, according to his campaign website. Hilton calls for restoring the California dream of a single-family home for every family.
Chad Bianco
Bianco was elected as Riverside County Sheriff in 2018 and has served in law enforcement for more than 30 years. He is running for the governor’s seat on a platform that emphasizes public safety, law enforcement, and opposes current state policies.
Bianco has said he is running for governor because he believes the state is at a breaking point, and he believes he can fix it. He positions himself as having the unique position of an outsider to the Sacramento political establishment.
Top Democrats running for California governor
Tom Steyer
Steyer is a billionaire investor and climate advocate, running on a platform focused on reducing the cost of living for Californians by taking on corporate interests, building affordable housing, and implementing green energy policies.
Steyer has said he is running for governor in 2026, “because Californians can no longer afford to live here.” He seeks to address the issue through tackling housing affordability, reducing energy costs, and pushing for corporate accountability.
Katie Porter
Porter is a former U.S. Congresswoman running on a platform focused on consumer protection, fighting corporate interests, and protecting civil rights.
She has said she is running for California governor to address the state’s “decades-long housing crisis” and rising costs of living.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Villaraigosa is the former mayor of Los Angeles and previously served as the California Assembly Speaker. He is running for governor on a platform of public safety, housing, and affordability.
Villaraigosa has positioned himself as a “problem solver,” who says he is running for governor to “fix what’s broken, find new solutions, and only invest in what works.”
Xavier Becerra
Becerra is an attorney, who served as the 25th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Becerra is running on a platform that focuses on building the state’s economy, defending its communities, and protecting rights and freedoms.
On his campaign website, Becerra says he is running for governor to “fight to make it possible for all of us to have the California Dream.”
Betty Yee
Yee is the former California State Controller, who is running on a platform focused on addressing budget issues, reducing government spending, and improving affordability. She positions herself as one of “California’s top experts on the state budget and government accountability.”
She said she is running for governor to “build a California that truly adds up for all of us.”
Matt Mahan
Mahan is the current mayor of San Jose. He is running on a platform centered on making the state affordable for working families, bringing accountability in government, and “building a future that works for all Californians, not just those at the top.”
He positions himself as “a fighter and a fixer,” who said he is running for governor to fix what he sees as government failures.
Tony Thurmond
Thurmond is the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is running on a platform focused on education, affordable housing, and economic inequality.
In an interview with California Black Media, Thurmond said he is running for governor to address the state’s “affordability crisis.”
List of certified gubernatorial candidates
In addition to the nine candidates, more than four dozen certified candidates are vying for the governor’s seat.
A full list of certified candidates can be found on the California Secretary of State’s website.
When is the governor’s race?
Voters will choose the Golden State’s next governor during California’s general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Key dates for June primary
Some key dates for the June primary include:
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Who’s running for California governor in 2026? What to know about race
Reporting by Daniella Segura, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
