San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s recent announcement to run for California’s governor has added further complexity to an already crowded field of candidates vying for the state’s highest office. With the primary election set for June 2, voters are presented with numerous options under California’s top-two system, where the two candidates receiving the most votes, irrespective of political party, will proceed to the general election in November.
Among the notable candidates still in the race are:
**Katie Porter:** The former congresswoman from Irvine has garnered national attention for her confrontational style of questioning corporate leaders on consumer protection issues. Though she previously lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2024, she remains prominent in early polling for the governor’s race, focusing her campaign on affordability and corporate accountability.
**Steve Hilton:** A former advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron and erstwhile Fox News contributor, Hilton represents one of the leading Republican voices in the race. His platform sharply critiques the current Democratic leadership in California, emphasizing issues such as housing affordability, homelessness, and crime.
**Matt Mahan:** The newly entered candidate, Mahan, is a technology entrepreneur turned politician who was elected mayor of San Jose after serving on the City Council. His campaign focuses on issues relevant to quality of life, including homelessness and public safety, and he aims to bring those concerns to a statewide audience.
**Chad Bianco:** The Riverside County sheriff is another strong Republican contender, advocating for a law-and-order platform while criticizing the existing Democratic policies on public safety and criminal justice reform.
**Eric Swalwell:** The Democratic congressman has been a prominent figure in California politics since 2013. Following a brief presidential run in 2020 and his role as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment trial of former President Trump, Swalwell announced his gubernatorial candidacy on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in November.
**Xavier Becerra:** Having served as California’s attorney general and as President Biden’s health secretary, Becerra brings substantial statewide experience. His campaign focuses on issues of affordability and a pushback against the past Trump administration’s policies.
**Antonio Villaraigosa:** The former mayor of Los Angeles, who served from 2005 to 2013, presents himself as a pragmatic leader, touting his record on crime reduction and educational improvement during his terms at City Hall.
**Tom Steyer:** The billionaire investor and environmental activist made his entry known in November, promoting policies that involve increased taxation on the wealthy and corporations. His campaign primarily highlights climate change and economic equity.
**Tony Thurmond:** Currently holding the position of California’s superintendent of public instruction, Thurmond has emphasized his impoverished upbringing to spotlight his focus on education and support for working-class families.
**Betty Yee:** As a former state controller, Yee advocates for fiscal responsibility and economic stability, drawing from her experience in statewide office to strengthen her campaign.
**Ian Calderon:** As a consultant and former assemblymember, Calderon positions himself as a representative for younger Californians, with a focus on addressing housing affordability issues.
Several notable Democrats who initially entered the race or were considering it have since withdrawn, reflecting the significant competition and strategic calculations amidst a robust field of contenders. This year’s gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for California, with many candidates advocating for a call to action on pressing state issues, offering voters a chance to influence the future direction of their government.