San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s entry into California’s governor’s race further widens an already crowded field of contenders for the state’s top office.
With the June 2 primary approaching, voters face a long list of candidates competing under California’s top-two system, in which the two highest vote-getters — regardless of party — advance to the November general election.
Here’s a look at the major candidates still in the race:
Katie Porter
The former Democratic congresswoman from Irvine, known nationally for grilling corporate executives over consumer issues with her whiteboard, lost a 2024 U.S. Senate bid to Adam Schiff. Porter has remained near the top in polling of early polling in the governor’s race and is emphasizing affordability and corporate accountability.
Steve Hilton
A former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron and a onetime Fox News contributor, Hilton is among the two leading Republicans in the race. His campaign has sharply criticized California’s Democratic leadership, with a focus on affordability, homelessness and crime.
Matt Mahan
The newest entrant, Mahan is a former technology entrepreneur who joined the San Jose City Council in 2020 and won a close mayoral race two years later His campaign emphasized tackling homelessness, blight and public safety — a quality-of-life message he is now taking statewide as a Democratic candidate.
Chad Bianco
The Riverside County sheriff is another leading Republican contender, running a law-and-order, business-friendly campaign. Bianco has built a statewide profile through outspoken criticism of Democratic leadership and criminal justice reforms.
Eric Swalwell
A Democratic congressman representing the East Bay since 2013, Swalwell previously served on the Dublin City Council and made a brief bid for president in 2020. He was an impeachment manager during President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial and announced his candidacy for governor on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in November.
Xavier Becerra
The former California attorney general and U.S. health secretary under President Joe Biden is one of the few candidates with statewide electoral experience. Becerra has trumpeted affordability and pushing back against policies of the Trump administration.
Antonio Villaraigosa
The Democratic former Los Angeles mayor — from 2005 to 2013 — and onetime state Assembly Speaker is running as a pragmatic problem solver, highlighting his record on crime reduction and education during his tenure at City Hall.
Tom Steyer
The Democratic billionaire investor and environmental advocate entered the race in November, calling for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Steyer, who ran for president in 2020, has centered his campaign on climate change and economic inequality.
Tony Thurmond
California’s superintendent of public instruction and a former East Bay assemblymember, Thurmond is another candidate with statewide electoral experience. He frequently points to his upbringing in poverty as shaping his focus on education and working families.
Betty Yee
The former state controller is touting her record as a fiscal watchdog and her experience winning statewide office. Yee has emphasized economic stability and responsible budgeting in her campaign.
Ian Calderon
A consultant and former Democratic assemblymember from the San Gabriel Valley, Calderon is pitching himself as a voice for younger Californians. His campaign has focused heavily on housing affordability.
Who’s out
Several high-profile Democrats who entered or considered the race have since withdrawn:
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris said last July she would not run for governor.
- Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis dropped out last August and is now running for state treasurer.
- Former state Senate President Toni Atkins exited the race in September.
- Stephen Cloobeck, the Diamond Resorts founder, withdrew in November and endorsed Swalwell.
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