After Democratic businessman Stephen Cloobeck exited the race for California governor and endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell, at least ten candidates remain in contention for the 2026 election. The field is still unsettled, with a recent poll showing that 44% of voters have not chosen a preferred candidate and no one polling above 15%.
Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services Secretary and California’s first Latino attorney general, has been drawn into negative attention after federal prosecutors indicted a Sacramento political figure in an alleged corruption case involving a dormant campaign account linked to Becerra. Prosecutors allege that Governor Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff Dana Williamson conspired with others to divert $225,000 from this account to the wife of Becerra’s longtime aide Sean McCluskie, who has pleaded guilty. While Becerra has not been accused of wrongdoing and stated he was unaware of the scheme, the association may affect his campaign, which currently polls at about 8%. He is running on lowering health care costs.
Katie Porter, a Democrat and former Orange County representative known for her tough questioning style in Congress, faced scrutiny after being filmed walking out of an interview when asked about needing Republican support. Another video showed her berating a staff member during a Zoom call. Porter later acknowledged she “could have done better” regarding her behavior in these videos. She remains tied with the leading Republican candidate.
Billionaire investor Tom Steyer entered the race last month. Steyer is recognized for funding liberal causes such as environmental protection but has never held public office before. He previously ran briefly for president in 2020.
Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff and supporter of Donald Trump, is polling close to Porter despite Republicans being outnumbered by Democrats nearly two-to-one in California and no GOP candidate winning statewide office in almost two decades. Bianco criticizes Democratic policies and advocates loosening business regulations while seeking to overturn California’s sanctuary law restricting police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Other Democratic candidates are focusing on their backgrounds to stand out amid low name recognition across the board. All have emphasized making California more affordable and resisting effects from past Trump administration policies.
Swalwell brings experience as a prosecutor and Bay Area congressman who played a role in President Trump’s second impeachment proceedings after January 6th events at the Capitol. “He was one of several members of Congress appointed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to help lead the second Trump impeachment after the attempted Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection,” according to CalMatters.
Antonio Villaraigosa, ex-mayor of Los Angeles and Assembly Speaker, positions himself as a moderate Democrat citing his leadership over Los Angeles’ police force expansion during his tenure.
Betty Yee highlights her background managing state finances as controller and work under former Governor Gray Davis’ administration.
Tony Thurmond is currently State Superintendent of Public Instruction—the only candidate holding statewide office—and emphasizes his social work background along with plans to build two million housing units using surplus state land.
Ian Calderon focuses on his youth as the first millennial elected to California’s Assembly; he also references ties to cryptocurrency industries in campaign materials.
