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CalMatters·July 2, 2026
Who are the 2026 California governor candidates?
Open seat
The central fact shaping the race is Newsom’s term limit, which removed the usual incumbent advantage. Without him in the race, candidates from both parties had a rare opportunity to compete for an open governorship.
Crowded field
That opening helped produce a crowded field, especially on the Democratic side. Multiple well-known candidates competed for the same voters, which made it harder for any single Democrat to lock up the runoff early.
General election focus
Going forward, the campaign will likely concentrate on coalition-building rather than primary survival. Candidates who advance will need to broaden their appeal quickly in a state that often decides statewide races on turnout and persuasion in a handful of battleground regions.