Election 2026 California Governor

Candidates for California governor are headed to another televised debate with mail ballots being sent to voters early next month. The crowded, chaotic contest has produced no clear leader to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. The event will feature a broader field of contenders than one a week ago, opening the way for possible surprises. Candidates will be looking for a breakout moment. It is the first time in a generation that California has a wide-open contest for the heavily Democratic state’s highest office, with more than 50 names on the ballot. The primary election ends June 2.