General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCA-GOV: Who's running for California governor? Here's a look at the current field of candidates
The game of musical chairs in the race to be Californias next governor lost another player last week.
After Democratic businessman Stephen Cloobeck who was polling at below half a percent dropped out of the race and endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell on Monday, at least 10 candidates remain.
Voters are hardly to blame if the names dont ring a bell. Though its wound on for more than a year now, the 2026 governors race remains unexpectedly wide open. In one poll released last month, 44% of surveyed voters did not have a preference for governor and no candidate polled above 15%.
The primary election is next June. Heres a look at the field right now:
https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/12/governors-race-current-field/
maveric
(16,983 posts)No billionaires in government.
RandySF
(80,289 posts)I just a couple are nos for me.
chowder66
(11,650 posts)Eric Swalwell and he has the advantage of youth and experience as a public servant both in local government and federal.
Betty Yee seems pretty qualified and could be very good for our deficit. I do need to read more about the Covid Mask scandal though.
I like her stances and I will be digging deep on her. I would love to vote for a woman but just because she is a woman she won't get an easy pass with me.
Xavier Becerra I think is pretty well qualified, I know he's going through a scandal right now but that isn't a huge red flag for me. He isn't accused of any wrongdoing and yes, it would have been great if he caught the issue but this kind of thing happens here and there (and it should help him guard against this in the future). His stance on police transparency was a big concern but I think he shifted away from it somewhat. I have more research to do on that.
Those are the top three for me.
On the other hand......
Katie Porter. She is excellent with her whiteboard and her spit-fire facts but I feel like she'd be a great journalist or a member of congress again.
Running the state of California doesn't feel like the right fit, right now.
Steyer has been a good democrat, supporter and advocate. He's done important work but I do take issue with some of his investments vs his stances and it feels like another rich person wanting to buy the governorship. I'm going to keep investigating but I really think he's a no for me.
It's a hard pass on Antonio Villaraigosa.
I know a bit about all but one democrat ...and that's Ian Calderon. I'll have to look into him.
Raine
(31,039 posts)chowder66
(11,650 posts)She ingratiated herself with tons of people. As soon as he was notified he cut ties.
No one is perfect and there are a lot of bad actors everywhere.
Raine
(31,039 posts)Sympthsical
(10,794 posts)I dunno. Just feels like we need some fresh blood.
You could pick any of these people, and Sacramento wouldn't really meaningfully change.
It just feels like we're locked into same ole same ole forever in this state.