Tag

California Governor 2026 Election

All articles tagged with #california governor 2026 election

politics1 day ago•25 min saved

California’s governor race: record outside spending and powerhouse donors shaping the field

Outside money is shattering records in California’s 2026 governor race, with about $79 million spent by outside groups and Tom Steyer’s team contributing roughly $213 million to boost his bid. Becerra benefits from major corporate and union backers, while tech billionaires backed Mahan to push for efficiency with little tax pressure. Swalwell donors largely pivoted to Becerra, and donor activity remains high for Hilton and Porter, illustrating how big-money and well-connected networks are steering the primary.

via CalMatters|

#california-governor-2026-election #election-2026 #outside-money

politics15 days ago•27 min saved

Becerra dodges questions while California's governor frontrunner solidifies lead

Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra has dodged detailed questions about his long record, including scrutiny over how he handled migrant children as HHS secretary and a New York Times investigation into labor exploitation. He dismisses attacks as MAGA talking points and pushed back on tough interview requests, while polls show him at or near the lead and fundraising has surged since Swalwell’s exit. Voters view him as a 'safe choice' in a crowded race, even as opponents highlight the Times report and a 2024 inspector general audit finding safety gaps. Becerra says he isn’t responsible for what happened after children left his agency’s care and that he’s moving forward, a strategy some analysts say benefits from his frontrunner status.

via CalMatters|

#california-governor-2026-election #katie-porter #migrant-children

politics17 days ago•25 min saved

Calif. Democrats mull last-minute voting strategy in governor race

Democrats in California are weighing a last-minute voting strategy in the governor’s race to avoid a potential lockout in November, as no clear frontrunner has emerged in the open primary. Supporters fear the wrong outcome could tilt the contest toward Republicans, prompting activists to urge waiting to vote until the last moment, watching polls and then backing the candidate with the most support. Election officials warn late mail-in ballots slow counting and can strain administration; experts note the race is fluid with Xavier Becerra in the lead among Democrats, followed by Tom Steyer, Katie Porter and Matt Mahan. Some voters, like Evans-Reber, plan to cast ballots on Election Day, while officials stress the importance of early voting to speed results and maintain accuracy.

via CalMatters|

#california-governor-2026-election #katie-porter #politics

politics22 days ago•31 min saved

Porter’s temper becomes pivotal as CA governor race narrows

CalMatters reports Katie Porter’s bid for California governor has stalled due to viral videos showing her temper, with voters and major Democrats leaning toward Xavier Becerra or Tom Steyer. Porter has tried to address the issue with self-deprecating ads and restrained debate performances, but fundraising lags and labor unions remain split. The race continues to hinge on temperament, endorsements, and how progressives balance support for her agenda with ongoing criticism of her demeanor.

via CalMatters|

#california-democratic-party #california-governor-2026-election #election-2026

politics22 days ago•17 min saved

Becerra Faces Fire as California Governor Debate Goes National

CNN’s two-hour Monterey Park debate pitted seven California governor hopefuls—five Democrats and two Republicans—against each other on issues from housing and living costs to immigration and health care. Xavier Becerra, riding a poll uptick after recent turmoil, absorbed sharp attacks from Tom Steyer and rival Antonio Villaraigosa, while defending his stance amid a single-payer health-care debate. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco argued Democratic policy failures have hurt the state. With the field converging and demographics favoring Democrats, observers say the eventual winner is likely to be the Democratic nominee in a race that remains closely watched nationwide.

via CalMatters|

#california-elections #california-governor-2026-election #dan-walters

politics1 month ago•23 min saved

California governor debate ends without breakout moment as Steyer, Becerra draw scrutiny

In a chaotic CBS LA debate at Pomona College, six leading Democratic candidates failed to deliver a breakout moment, sparring over cost of living, housing, energy and immigration while Steyer and Becerra drew targeted scrutiny and Porter pressed the attack, leaving voters with little differentiation ahead of mail-in ballots.

via CalMatters|

#california-governor-2026-election #election-2026 #katie-porter

politics1 month ago•26 min saved

Swalwell exits California governor’s race, leaving Dem field in flux

Democrat Eric Swalwell suspended his California gubernatorial campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations and resigned from Congress, leaving a crowded Democratic field in chaos as endorsements scramble and donors reposition. Polls suggest Katie Porter and Tom Steyer could benefit from Swalwell’s exit, while an independent committee backing Matt Mahan accelerates outreach with a large ad buy. Swalwell’s name will remain on the June primary ballot due to timing, and the potential for a special election to fill his congressional seat depends on Gov. Newsom’s decisions in the weeks ahead.

via CalMatters|

#california-democrats #california-governor-2026-election #endorsements

commentary2 months ago•16 min saved

Debate cancellation highlights racial optics in California’s governor race

CalMatters columnist Dan Walters reports that USC canceled a gubernatorial debate amid accusations of racism over an all-white invite list while Democrats who are Latino, Black, or Asian were excluded; USC defended its polling- and fundraising-based selection method but later backed off amid criticism. The piece notes the controversy comes as polls show two Republicans atop the field (16% and 14%), Democrats mostly in single digits, and about 24% undecided, with mail voting starting in six weeks— underscoring how unsettled and unconventional the race has become.

via CalMatters|

#california-elections #california-governor-2026-election #commentary

politics2 months ago•18 min saved

Crowded California governor race takes shape as 10 file to run

Eight Democrats and two Republicans have filed to run in California’s June 2 governor primary, creating a wide-open race where the top two vote-getters advance to the general election. The candidate lineup includes Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee (Democrats) and Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton (Republicans). With two Republican frontrunners consolidating support, Democrats face a crowded field and vote-splitting risk; the secretary of state will publish an official candidate list by March 21, after which the top two become the nominees for November.

via CalMatters|

#california-elections #california-governor-2026-election #katie-porter