The first week of May holds major implications for California’s gubernatorial primary election next month. Eight candidates for governor will confront the state’s biggest issues in debates on back-to-back days in hopes of swaying undecided voters as officials begin mailing ballots to every active registered voter this week.
The top two vote-getters – regardless of party affiliation – will square off in the general election in November to be governor of a state that in recent years has been controlled by Democrats and boasts the largest economy of any in the U.S. The winner will replace current Gov. Gavin Newsom, the 40th governor of California, who has served in that role since 2019. With the Democrat term-limited, the party is looking for a successor.
The outgoing governor used his office to stand up to President Donald Trump, emerging as perhaps the Republican president’s biggest Democratic rival. Their feud peaked in June 2025 when Trump attempted to federalize California’s National Guard to suppress protests and assist in the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles.
Trump was forced to remove the National Guard in December after the Supreme Court ruled against him in Newsom v. Trump. Since Trump’s second term began, California has initiated over 60 lawsuits against Trump.
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Tuesday’s debate will air on CNN at 6 p.m. local time. Wednesday’s debate will air on NBC Los Angeles at 7 p.m. local time.
What to Know About the California Governor’s Race?
Polls looked distinctly different just weeks ago. Eric Swalwell, a member of Congress representing California, was then leading in the race. The Democrat was a top-tier candidate, but as sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell emerged, his positive publicity soured. He denied any wrongdoing but announced on April 13 he was resigning from Congress and dropping out of the race.
His exit shifted an already unpredictable contest. There has been no clear front-runner in the race since. With low name recognition, scattered scandals and six Democratic options, voters are struggling to find who best fits their needs.
In the midst of an unsettled Democratic slate, two Republicans have surged to the top of the polls.
Who Are the Candidates?
Sixty-one candidates are in the running, though only eight have received enough support to fulfill requirements to participate in the debate. Of the eight candidates, six are Democrats and two are Republicans.
Xavier Becerra was the former U.S. Health and Human Services Department secretary in the Biden administration and former attorney general of California. The Democrat, who represented the state in Congress for more than 20 years, saw a surge in polls after Swalwell stepped aside.
Tom Steyer saw a similar jump among Democrats. The billionaire hedge fund manager-turned-environmental activist spent $130 million of his own money on a campaign stressing liberal values, as The New York Times reported.
Katie Porter is a Democrat who held a congressional seat in Southern California’s Orange County until 2024. Currently, Porter is a professor of law at the University of California, Irvine.
Earlier this year, Porter faced criticism online after she abruptly ended a CBS interview when asked about redistricting. Another video resurfaced of her berating a staff member who appeared over her shoulder in a video conference with the former secretary of energy. Since then, she has tried to turn around her campaign – even poking fun at her mistake in a recent commercial.
Three more Democrats – Matt Mahanthe mayor of San Jose; Tony Thurmondthe head of California’s Department of Education; and Antonio Villaraigosathe former mayor of Los Angeles – are expected to appear in the upcoming debates as well.
For Republicans Steve Hiltona conservative political commentator and former adviser to the British prime minister, gained traction and has earned an endorsement from Trump. The second Republican in the debate is Chad Biancothe Riverside County sheriff, who has no political background.
What Do Polls Show?
While many voters are undecided, an April 28 EMC Research poll shows Becerra leading Democrats with 19% of the vote. The next closest Democrat is Steyer, with 14%. However, they face significant GOP opposition, with Hilton at 19% and Bianco at 14%.
What Are the Key Dates?
County officials began mailing ballots on Monday, with secure drop-off locations opening Tuesday.
June 2 is the day of the primary election – and the day by which all mailed-in ballots must be postmarked.
The general election face-off between the top two-vote earners will occur Nov. 3.