电动牙刷买飞利浦还是usmile Who's running for California governor? Here's an early look at the candidates

Local News Who's running for California governor? Here's an early look at the candidates

By Chelsea Hylton Chelsea Hylton is a web producer for CBS Los Angeles. An Inglewood native, Hylton has her master's degree from USC. She covers local breaking news across the Southern California region. Before joining CBS in 2024, she worked at NBC LA, Telemundo 52, The Los Angeles Times and KOMO 4 News in Seattle. Read Full Bio Chelsea Hylton

Updated on: April 21, 2025 / 12:18 PM PDT / KCAL News

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Next year, Gov. Gin Newsom will be leing his seat as California's top elected official and several candidates he already announced their bids to fill his position.

In 2026, Newsom will be finishing his second term as governor and will no longer be able to run for re-election. Even though the election for his seat is well over a year away, candidates are starting to pop up trying to appeal to Californians.

With Gov. Gin Newsom finishing his second term as California's top elected official in 2026, several candidates he announced their bid to fill his seat. Getty Images

There is a lot of uncertainty about whether former Vice President Kamala Harris will decide to run. A person familiar with her decision-making process has said she is expected to make her decision by the end of the summer.

Candidates will he until early March 2026 to file their paperwork ahead of the June 2, 2026, primary, according to the California Secretary of State's Office.

Here is a list of candidates who he publicly announced their run to become California's next governor:

The candidate names are listed in alphabetical order. This list consists of early candidates and will be updated.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Party affiliation: Democrat

Villaraigosa was elected as mayor of Los Angeles in 2005. He has also previously held positions on the LA City Council and the state's assembly.

Use this link to access his campaign website.

Former State Controller Betty Yee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Yee most recently served two terms as the state's controller. She also previously held positions as state budget director and had a seat on the California State Board of Equalization.

Use this link to access her campaign website.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco

Party affiliation: Republican

Bianco is currently serving his second term as the Riverside County Sheriff after being re-elected in 2022. He has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement.

Use this link to access his campaign website.

Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis

Party affiliation: Democrat

Kounalakis is currently serving her second term as California's lieutenant governor after she was re-elected in 2022. Since launching her campaign in 2023, she has gained the endorsements of former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barbara Boxer, according to her website.

Use this link to access her campaign website.

Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter

Party affiliation: Democrat

Porter served three terms as a representative in California. During her time in Congress in 2020, Porter helped secure free COVID-19 testing for Americans.

Use this link to access her campaign website.

Entrepreneur Stephen J. Cloobeck

Party affiliation: Democrat

Cloobeck is the founder of Diamond Resorts International and has built his career on real estate and hospitality. This will be his first run for any public office, but he has been a long supporter of Democrat politicians, including Newsom and LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Use this link to access his campaign website.

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton

Party affiliation: Republican

Hilton is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and former Fox News host who became a U.S. citizen in 2021. He has also previously served as an adviser to British Prime Minister Did Cameron, according to his website.

Use this link to access his campaign website.

Former State Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins

Party affiliation: Democrat

Atkins is currently serving her final term in the California Legislature after being elected in 2010. She is the former Senate president pro tempore, where she served as the first female and first openly LGBTQ president pro tempore.

Use this link to access her campaign website.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond

Party affiliation: Democrat

Thurmond is currently serving his second term as California's top education official after being re-elected in 2022. He has also previously served two terms as a state assembly member.

Use this link to access his campaign website.