Huntington Beach, California, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Penner, a well-known figure in commercial property financing, has officially declared his independent candidacy for Governor of California. At 64, he aims to attract those dissatisfied with the Democratic Party’s dominance. His campaign emphasizes tax cuts, reducing regulations, tackling homelessness, and improving the business climate. Penner intends to unite diverse perspectives within the community while addressing critical issues such as family relocations, homelessness, and high living costs. With a competitive primary set for June 2, 2026, he faces formidable Democratic opponents and a commitment to sustainable policies for California’s future.
California
Ethan Penner, a prominent figure in commercial property financing, has officially announced his independent candidacy for the position of Governor of California. At 64 years of age, Penner aims to resonate with voters who feel disenchanted by the longstanding dominance of the Democratic Party while also distancing himself from strict Republican ideologies.
Penner made his announcement during the Future Proof Festival held in Huntington Beach, California, which attracted a crowd of thousands. His campaign is rooted in a platform that advocates for tax cuts, reduced regulations, a focus on homelessness, and improving the business climate in the state.
Key Campaign Issues
Penner highlights several pressing issues facing California, which he describes as being at a “crossroads.” He aims to tackle the issue of families and businesses departing for other states, the escalating homelessness crisis, and the burdensome tax and regulatory landscape. His focus is on practical solutions that draw on his extensive background in business and finance.
By positioning himself as an independent candidate, Penner believes he can bring together diverse perspectives within the community. He has expressed a strong commitment to addressing the needs of future generations of Californians, ensuring sustainable policies that benefit the state’s long-term interests.
Background and Experience
Penner’s career spans significant achievements in finance and real estate. He launched his career in the home mortgage industry before venturing into commercial real estate finance, where he is credited with creating the CMBS market in the 1990s while affiliated with Nomura Securities. In 2015, he founded Mosaic Real Estate Investments and recently co-founded Reven Office REIT in January 2024, with the objective of raising $1 billion for office owners and investing in distressed office debt.
In addition to his professional achievements, Penner has contributed to academia, teaching graduate-level courses at the Marshall School of Business at USC and at Pepperdine University. His commitment to mentoring upcoming business leaders further underscores his dedication to the future of California’s economy.
Critique of Current Government
Penner has expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of various issues, including wildfire prevention, high living costs, and the outmigration of residents. He believes his unique perspective, shaped by his professional accomplishments, allows him to offer a fresh approach to governance that prioritizes actionable results.
Current Race Landscape
As Penner steps into the race, he will face off against notable Democratic candidates such as Xavier Becerra, Eleni Kounalakis, Katie Porter, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. The incumbent governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited, paving the way for a competitive primary election set for June 2, 2026, with all candidates required to file by early March.
FAQ Section
Who is Ethan Penner?
Ethan Penner is a commercial property financing expert and entrepreneur running as an independent candidate for the Governor of California.
What are Ethan Penner’s main campaign promises?
His campaign focuses on cutting taxes, reducing regulations, addressing homelessness, and improving California’s business climate.
What challenges does Penner identify for California?
He highlights issues such as families leaving the state, increasing homelessness, and high taxes and regulations as major challenges facing California.
When is the primary election for California Governor?
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with candidates required to file by early March.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | Ethan Penner |
| Campaign Focus | Tax cuts, reduced regulations, homelessness solutions, business climate enhancement |
| Background | Expert in commercial property financing, educator, author |
| Election Date | June 2, 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bloomberg: California Governor Race Gets New Entrant with CMBS Pioneer Ethan Penner
- PR Newswire: Ethan Penner Enters Race for California Governor as an Independent
- We News: Ethan Penner Weighs Bid for California Governor
- Bisnow: CMBs Godfather Ethan Penner on CRE’s Breathtaking Losses
- Bisnow: Father of CMBS Ethan Penner Wants to be CA Governor
- Wikipedia: Ethan Penner
- Google Search: California Governor Race 2026
- Google Scholar: Ethan Penner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California governor
- Google News: California Governor Ethan Penner
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
