Election
2026

Former California Attorney General (2017–2021) and Biden administration Secretary of Health and Human Services. Led the ACA defense before the Supreme Court and oversaw COVID vaccine distribution nationally. Now the polling co-leader at 18%, Becerra enters the race with $3.8M cash on hand and institutional Democratic support from Sacramento to Washington.

British-born former Fox News host and ex-strategy director for UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Moved to Silicon Valley and became a prominent conservative voice on populist economics and anti-establishment politics. Tied with Becerra at 18% — the highest-polling Republican gubernatorial candidate California has seen in years. Leading all candidates in fundraising among non-self-funders.

Billionaire hedge fund manager turned environmental activist who spent $150M+ on progressive causes before running for president in 2020. Self-funding his 2026 gubernatorial bid with $28M already invested and $26M of it already spent on TV and digital ads — the most visible campaign in the race. Polling at 12% despite the massive spend.

Former Congresswoman (CA-47) who became a national progressive icon for her whiteboard cross-examinations of corporate executives in House committee hearings. Lost her 2024 Senate bid to Adam Schiff but enters the governor's race with $3.2M cash on hand and a massive small-dollar donor network. Polling at 8% but considered a top-tier contender by party insiders.

Two-term Riverside County Sheriff and one of California's most prominent conservative law enforcement officials. Became nationally known for refusing to enforce Newsom's COVID lockdown orders and for his outspoken opposition to California's criminal justice reform laws. Running on a public safety and anti-Sacramento insurgency platform as the law-enforcement-backed alternative to Hilton in the Republican primary.

California's State Controller since January 2023 — the first Black woman elected to this office. Previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the California Board of Equalization. As Controller, she oversees disbursement of all state funds, audits government agencies, and manages the state's unclaimed property program. Campaigning on transparency, fiscal efficiency, and accountability in how California spends its money.

Chief Investment Officer and founder of an investment management firm later acquired by Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors. Running on a platform of exposing government waste and fraud using the investment-world discipline of tracking where every dollar goes. Morgan argues that a CIO's mindset — not a politician's — is what California's finances actually need.

California's Secretary of State since 2021 — appointed by Gov. Newsom and subsequently elected in 2022 with 60.1%, making history as the first Black person to hold the office. Former Assemblywoman who represented San Diego for over a decade. Oversees elections administration, business filings, and the state archives. Known for expanding voter access and modernizing the election system.

Orange County Supervisor, former Mayor of Irvine, and former California State Assemblymember. Running on an election integrity platform — calling for voter ID at the polls and criticizing Weber's office for California's notoriously slow ballot-counting process. Has a long record of elected office and is the most credentialed Republican challenger for any statewide office in 2026.

The incumbent Attorney General appointed in 2021. Bonta has focused his first full term on enforcing housing mandates, environmental justice, and litigating against the federal administration.

A former trial attorney and longtime Huntington Beach City Attorney. He is known for actively challenging state mandates and lenient criminal justice policies emanating from Sacramento.

Currently serving as California's State Treasurer, Ma is a certified public accountant with deep ties in state finance. She is seeking the Lt. Governor role to expand her influence over state economic boards.

A former Democratic Senate Majority Leader who represented East LA for 12 years. She recently switched to the Republican Party to champion school choice and government transparency.

The current Lieutenant Governor of California, stepping over to run for Treasurer. Kounalakis has extensive experience on state boards and as a former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary.

A Silicon Valley retiree, school executive, and local activist who has never held public office. She is running to provide an independent financial check on Sacramento's supermajority.

The former Speaker of the California State Assembly. Rendon has a deep background in early childhood education advocacy and seeks to bring his legislative power to the state's schools.

The outspoken president of the Chino Valley Unified School Board. Shaw gained national attention for passing parental notification policies and heavily advocating for traditional curriculum.

The 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles and former Speaker of the CA Assembly Bass has focused her first term on homelessness and public safety. Running for her second term to finish her "Locked Arms" initiative.

An urban planner and current LA City Councilmember, Raman is a leading voice for progressive housing reforms and climate urgency. She is challenging from the left to prioritize systemic changes.

A former reality television personality turned political activist, Pratt is running as an outsider focused on fiscal integrity and cutting through City Hall bureaucracy.

The incumbent Sheriff and former Long Beach Police Chief, elected in 2022 to restore trust. He focuses on transparency and cooperation with the Board of Supervisors.

A 36-year veteran of the LASD, Villanueva served as Sheriff from 2018 to 2022. He is known for a "law and order" approach and combative relationship with county oversight.

A Dominican Republic immigrant and U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Martinez has deep ground-level experience in the LASD working across jails, patrol, and professional standards.

Tim Gaspar is more than a successful entrepreneur — he’s a proud son of the West Valley whose life has been shaped by the very community he now works tirelessly to support. Born and raised in Canoga Park, Tim is a product of local public schools and a proud graduate of El Camino Real High School, Pierce College, and California State University, Northridge. His deep local roots have instilled in him a profound sense of duty to give back and uplift the place he calls home.

Born and raised in the West Valley, Barri brings extensive experience in public service and a passion for community involvement. For nearly two decades, Barri has worked on behalf of residents of the San Fernando Valley. She has held high-ranking positions in the State Legislature, the Office of the former Mayor of Los Angeles, and the County Board of Supervisors. She has also served in nonprofit leadership. Beyond professional experience, Barri is a consummate community advocate and volunteer, holding multiple board and leadership roles on community committees, and in nonprofit and community based organizations. Most recently serving as the Director of Community Affairs for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

A family-first reason for running. A builder’s mindset for governing. My full name is Christopher Robert “C.R.” Celona, and I’m running for City Council because I refuse to accept this as our norm. For 26 years, I’ve built companies in emerging spaces, created opportunities, cut through red tape, and delivered results. As a founder, media executive, and compassionate capitalist, I’ve spent my career at the point where people and technology meet. Now I want to bring that experience to helping make Los Angeles more affordable, more functional, and more livable.

Incumbent Councilmember elected in 2022, known for aggressive enforcement of LAMC 41.18 anti-camping ordinance. Has raised over $1 million and secured significant independent expenditure support heading into her re-election bid.

Faizah Malik, a mom, public interest attorney, and proud daughter of immigrants, born and raised in Southern California. She's spent the last 15 years standing up for renters, immigrants, and everyday Angelenos — from expanding tenant protections to advocating for more housing, and winning policies that help working families stay in their homes. She is supported by the LA chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

“I’M A COMMONSENSE DEMOCRAT RUNNING TO MAKE CALIFORNIA AFFORDABLE AND SAFE." A father, husband, attorney, real estate broker, educator, musician and owner of two small businesses. He has volunteered & served across his neighborhoods & cities to learn what the real issues are & listen to those with the expertise to solve them. Served on the LA Planning Commission.

Councilmember. Chief of Staff at Alliance for a Better Community. Former VP of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. John Erickson, represents a new kind of Democratic leader—one who has proven to be a courageous, proactive, and effective leader who will never give up a fight for what’s right. As a community organizer and skilled policymaker, John builds coalitions and works across the aisle to get things done. He has been advocating for a better world ever since he was a young boy in Ripon, Wisconsin. His trajectory from advocate for all to nonprofit executive, community organizer and public servant began at the age of 6 when he started accompanying his grandmother Gladys to volunteer at the local food bank. Still in elementary school, John started accompanying Gladys to the state capitol to lobby for veterans’ and women’s rights, pro LGBTQ+.

Conservative Republican candidate running in SD 24's open-seat primary. Brings a business and marketing background to a race dominated by Democrats in one of California's most progressive coastal districts. Unlikely to advance past California's top-two primary but represents the Republican voter base on the Westside and South Bay.

Kristina Irwin is a wife, working mother of three, an immigrant, proud American and a dedicated community advocate. When COVID lockdowns shuttered schools, stripped away medical freedoms, and devastated our children's wellbeing, Kristina refused to stay silent. She witnessed firsthand the lasting damage to our children's education and mental health. Now running for California State Senate, Kristina is fighting to bring common-sense leadership back to Sacramento — championing medical freedom, parental rights, government accountability, and the future of District 24's families.

Sara Hernandez has been a proud resident of California's 26th Senate District for over 20 years. Like so many people in the District, the 26th encompasses the communities where Sara has laid down roots, started her career, pursued an education, created a family and has been actively engaged in making the District more livable, safe and prosperous. Sara began her career as an LAUSD middle school teacher where she founded the non-profit Helping Young People Excel, or HYPE. HYPE identifies low-income students and provides them with exceptional educational opportunity and resources throughout their high school years and beyond. In 2015, HYPE merged with Young Eisner Scholars, an organization that continues to change the lives of students across Los Angeles as well as in New York, Chicago and Appalachia

Former state Assemblymember (2017–2024) who served in the Assembly for seven years before being term-limited. Former journalist & labor activist. Raising $160,628 & returning to electoral politics after her Assembly term ended. Wendy is a homegrown leader raised in Boyle Heights & City Terrace. She is a graduate of local public schools & is a proud Roosevelt High School Rough Rider. She attended East Los Angeles College, received a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetorical Communication Studies with a minor in Chicano Studies from California State University Los Angeles and a Master’s Degree in Specialized Journalism and Political Science with an emphasis in demography from the University of Southern California.

Claudia grew up in Elysian Valley, also known as Frogtown, near Dodger Stadium, where many of her earliest memories were shaped, including riding her bike along the Los Angeles River. Raised by a single mother, which instilled in her a strong work ethic. and a deep sense of responsibility at an early age. Her journey to becoming a U.S. citizen further strengthened her appreciation for opportunity and her commitment to civic life. As a mother, Claudia has dedicated herself to giving back and improving her community. She has been actively involved in addressing neighborhood concerns reporting problems and helping secure repairs for damaged streets, broken streetlights, infostructures, beautification, as well as working to addressing blight from vacant properties and cleaning up homeless encampments near school yards.

Incumbent Assemblymember from Sierra Madre. Has focused his first term on wildfire policy, water resources, and local environmental protections in a district straddling the LA/San Bernardino County border along the foothills.

Republican challenger aiming to flip a competitive foothill district that has historically swung between the parties. Running on a platform of public safety, fiscal restraint, and pushback against Sacramento's regulatory reach into local communities.

Agoura Hills City Councilmember running to represent the same suburban communities she already serves. Positioned as the local government experience candidate in a race where the district's suburban character rewards pragmatic, service-focused candidates.

Westlake Village City Councilmember, attorney, and professor. Brings legal expertise and academic perspective to policy challenges facing the Conejo Valley corridor. Running on education, environmental stewardship, and accessible government.

Republican candidate running in the AD 42 open-seat race covering Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and the Simi Valley border. This district is more competitive than many in LA County, and a Republican has a legitimate shot at placing in the top two given the suburban and semi-rural voter mix in the Conejo Valley corridor.

Incumbent senator from Panorama City, in office since December 2022. A mental health clinician by training, Menjivar has focused her first term on healthcare access, housing affordability, and working-class Valley families — making her one of the more progressive voices representing the San Fernando Valley in Sacramento.

Professor at Los Angeles Valley College in Van Nuys, running with no party preference. Brings an academic and educator's lens to the race, positioning himself as an independent alternative to the two-party choices in a district where community college serves a large segment of working families.

Republican challenger running to flip SD 20 in a Valley district where some moderate and homeowner-heavy precincts have shown GOP competitiveness in recent cycles. Running on public safety, anti-tax messaging, and rolling back what he characterizes as Sacramento overreach into Valley communities.

Incumbent Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee — one of the most powerful positions in the state legislature. Re-elected with 63.8% in 2024. Gabriel has used his budget chairmanship to drive investments in housing, education, and mental health services across the San Fernando Valley and statewide.

Republican candidate challenging incumbent Jesse Gabriel in the AD 46 general election. Schroeder is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses in the San Fernando Valley. Faces a steep uphill climb in a district Gabriel carried with 63.8% in 2024.

Former CEO of Virgin Galactic who flipped CA-27 from Republican control in 2024 with 51.3% of the vote — the closest race of these five districts. With $3.39M raised and redistricting moving the seat left, he enters 2026 as a well-funded incumbent in a now-safer district.

Santa Clarita City Councilman and the most credible Republican challenger in the CA-27 field. With $344K raised he is far behind Whitesides financially, but represents the kind of local-government-experienced Republican who historically made CA-27 competitive under predecessor Mike Garcia.

Long-serving Congresswoman first elected in 2009, making her one of California's most experienced House members. Former chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Represents a D+15 district and enters 2026 with $823K raised and no serious general election opposition.

Gen Z Democratic challenger running a grassroots primary campaign against Chu from the left. Represents a new generation of candidates arguing that a D+15 district should have bolder, younger representation in Washington rather than a 16-year incumbent running on seniority alone.

Republican candidate running against long-serving Congresswoman Judy Chu in CA-28. Verlato filed to give Republican voters a choice in this Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley district. A D+15 Cook rating means a Republican victory here is a long shot, but Verlato represents the option for voters who want a conservative alternative in the November general.

Incumbent Congresswoman who won the seat in a special election and subsequently won re-election in 2024. Former California State Assemblywoman who represented Arleta and the northeast Valley before moving to Congress. Focused on working-class Latino communities, youth services, and immigration.

Progressive challenger running for a second time after previously competing against a 25-year incumbent and pulling 42% of the vote with under $200K raised. Her persistence and improving vote share suggest a growing grassroots infrastructure in a D+20 district where a progressive primary upset is not out of the question.

Republican candidate running in CA-29 covering Alhambra, Monterey Park, and Northeast Los Angeles. Carranza is running on conservative values in a D+20 district that is one of the most heavily Democratic in Southern California. Her candidacy ensures Republican voters in the San Gabriel Valley have a general election choice in November.

Republican candidate filed for CA-29 covering Northeast Los Angeles, Alhambra, and Monterey Park. Sparrow is one of two Republicans in this race alongside Margarita Carranza, giving the district's conservative voters two options in the primary. Running in a D+20 district against incumbent Luz Maria Rivas and progressive challenger Angélica Dueñas — both Republicans face an uphill battle to advance past the top-two primary.

Former California State Assemblywoman who won the CA-30 open seat in 2024 with 68.4%, stepping into Adam Schiff's former congressional district. With $640K raised and a D+22 rating, she enters 2026 in an exceptionally strong position. Known for transportation and environmental legislation during her Assembly tenure.

Aerospace entrepreneur running with no party preference against Friedman in the most well-funded non-incumbent challenge in this race at $69K raised. Pitches himself as a business-minded independent who can bring private sector discipline to Congress in a district with deep ties to the aerospace and entertainment industries.

Republican candidate and YouTube creator running in CA-30's Burbank/Glendale/Studio City district. Feitosa brings a media-savvy digital-first campaign style to a race against heavily favored incumbent Laura Friedman. Running in the D+22 seat that was previously Adam Schiff's, his campaign focuses on fiscal conservatism and government accountability in a district with deep ties to the entertainment industry.

Long-serving Congressman and CPA first elected in 1996 — one of the most senior members in California's delegation. Re-elected in 2024 with 66.2%. Serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Financial Services Committee. Known for his finance expertise and has been a fixture in the West San Fernando Valley for nearly three decades.

Former Senior Director for Climate & Energy at the National Security Council under the Biden administration. Brings White House-level policy experience to a primary crowded with challengers, positioning himself as the credentialed progressive alternative who can actually govern from day one.

Small business owner, Israeli-born American, and international trade expert challenging Sherman from a centrist position. Her background in international commerce gives her credibility on trade and foreign policy — two areas where Sherman has dominated but also drawn criticism from different ends of the political spectrum.

Climate scientist challenging Sherman from a science-and-data-driven perspective. In a district that includes some of LA's most climate-conscious communities — from Woodland Hills to the Westside — her technical expertise on the defining issue of the generation makes her a distinctive voice in the crowded primary field.

Moderate Republican and the California Republican Party's unanimously endorsed candidate for CA-32. Thompson is running as a pragmatic conservative in a district covering West LA, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Woodland Hills. His moderate positioning is a deliberate strategy for a D+17 district — the CA GOP sees him as their best shot at making the race competitive and giving Republican voters in the San Fernando Valley a credible general election candidate.