California’s next governor’s race is shaping up as a wide-open contest after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom reaches the end of his term-limited tenure and cannot seek re-election. The field has already drawn a large number of contenders from both major parties, reflecting the scale of the political opening in the nation’s most populous state.
Among the candidates, three have begun to stand out from the broader pack: Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former Cabinet secretary and longtime California political figure; Democrat Tom Steyer, the billionaire environmental activist and former presidential candidate; and Republican Steve Hilton, a conservative commentator who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Their early visibility suggests they may be the best positioned to build statewide recognition in what is expected to be a highly competitive and expensive campaign.
The race also includes several other well-known Democrats. Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, who built a national profile through her sharp questioning in Congress, is in the mix. So is Tony Thurmond, California’s superintendent of public instruction, who has focused on education issues in statewide office. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa brings experience from one of the state’s largest political markets, while San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan adds a younger, local-government perspective from the Bay Area. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is also running, giving voters another high-profile conservative option in a state where Democrats hold a major registration advantage.
California’s election system adds another layer of uncertainty. Under the state’s all-party primary rules, every candidate appears on the same primary ballot, and the top two vote-getters move on to the general election regardless of party affiliation. That means the November contest could feature two Democrats, two Republicans, or one from each party, depending on how the vote splits in the primary.
The structure of the race makes coalition-building especially important. Candidates will need to appeal not only to their party base but also to independents and voters from across California’s diverse regions and political communities. That dynamic can reward broad name recognition, strong fundraising, and the ability to consolidate support among similar candidates.
Newsom’s departure creates a rare opening in California politics. The governor has been a dominant figure in state and national Democratic politics, and his exit is likely to trigger a fierce battle to define the post-Newsom era. Issues such as affordability, housing, crime, education, climate policy and the cost of living are likely to shape the campaign as candidates begin making their case to voters.
With a crowded field and a top-two primary system, the race for governor is expected to remain fluid. Early advantages in fundraising, endorsements and statewide outreach could prove decisive as contenders try to separate themselves in one of the country’s most closely watched elections.
