California Gubernatorial Race Heats Up with New Candidates

News Summary

California is entering a competitive gubernatorial race, highlighted by a panel discussion featuring six candidates at the California Business Outlook dinner. Key issues discussed included the state’s economy, healthcare, and cost of living. The event spotlighted the addition of Liz Snow to CalChamber as the Senior VP of Political Affairs. With potential candidacies like Vice President Kamala Harris looming, the landscape of the upcoming Democratic primary promises intense competition as candidates strategize ahead of the 2026 election.

California is gearing up for a competitive gubernatorial race as six candidates participated in a panel discussion at the California Business Outlook dinner held on June 4, 2025. The event, which was led by John Myers, CalChamber’s senior vice president of communications and external affairs, focused on key policies and issues the candidates plan to address if elected.

The candidates present at the dinner included notable figures such as Toni Atkins, former Senate President Pro-Tem; Chad Bianco, Riverside Sheriff; Steve Hilton, an author, podcaster, and business founder; Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Katie Porter, former U.S. Representative; and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles.

At the event, several crucial topics were covered, including the current state of California’s economy, healthcare, homelessness, affordable housing, and the rising cost of living. The candidates outlined their positions, with many agreeing that addressing the cost of living is critical while opposing raising the minimum wage. Notably, the discussion also included diverging opinions on how to handle COVID-19 school district closures and how to approach the fentanyl crisis in relation to Proposition 36.

In addition to the gubernatorial candidates, the panel saw the introduction of Liz Snow as CalChamber’s new Senior Vice President of Political Affairs. This addition aims to bolster the organization’s ongoing efforts to make regulatory rules more manageable for businesses across California.

Amid these discussions, attention also turned toward the possibility of a high-profile candidacy from Vice President Kamala Harris. Democratic Representative Dave Min declined to comment on whether he supports Harris running for governor, whereas Representative George Whitesides expressed support for her potential candidacy. Despite this, Harris has not confirmed her intention to run and remains a contender for a future presidential bid, which adds an element of uncertainty to the ongoing race.

Some Democratic insiders are concerned that her candidacy could impact the reelection prospects of vulnerable Democratic candidates, while critics argue it may energize Republican voters, complicating their chances in swing districts. Conversely, supporters highlight Harris’s experience as a valuable asset for a gubernatorial role.

The landscape for the upcoming California Democratic primary, scheduled for June 2026, may widen as candidates evaluate their strategies regarding endorsement and support. The primary will see the top two candidates advance to the general election, and with California not having elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006, the stakes are high for all contenders.

Furthermore, four Democratic candidates unanimously supported exploring a single-payer healthcare system, illustrating the party’s leaning towards progressive healthcare reforms. Kounalakis emphasized her experience in real estate development as a qualification for addressing the issue of housing affordability.

As the California gubernatorial race progresses, candidates are gathering insights and advice from several former governors to prepare for the demands of the role. The political dynamics continue to evolve, showing that both established figures and new entrants will play a significant role in shaping the state’s future.

As more candidates may announce their intention to run in the coming months, the competition is expected to intensify, setting the stage for what could be one of California’s most consequential gubernatorial elections in years.

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