The main candidates running for California governor in the 2026 election include a crowded field of Democrats and some Republicans, as incumbent Democrat Gavin Newsom is term-limited. The leading Democratic candidates are former Rep. Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former State Comptroller Betty Yee, and former Assemblymember Ian Calderon. On the Republican side, notable candidates include political commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco. The race is considered competitive, especially with Porter leading among Democrats and Hilton gaining significant support among Republicans. The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election on November 3, 2026.
Here is a summary of key candidates by party:
Democratic Candidates| Republican Candidates
---|---
Katie Porter (former Rep.)| Steve Hilton (commentator)
Antonio Villaraigosa (former LA Mayor)| Chad Bianco (Sheriff)
Xavier Becerra (former HHS Secretary)| Leo Zacky (entrepreneur)
Tony Thurmond (Sec. of Public Instruction)|
Betty Yee (former State Comptroller)|
Ian Calderon (former Assemblymember)|
This list is expected to grow as the election approaches, with the primary and general election following California's top-two system where party affiliation does not restrict the final two candidates.