California’s 2026 Election Season: The Stakes Are High, and the Field Is Crowded
The 2026 election season is officially in full swing, and with less than a year to go, California politics are heating up. We’re looking at a crowded governor’s race with no clear front-runner, Republicans making surprising gains in this deep-blue state, and a high-profile congressional contest to replace Democratic powerhouse Nancy Pelosi.
The Governor’s Race: Two Years in the Making
California’s race for governor has been unfolding for more than two years, with candidates declaring, dropping out, or pivoting to other opportunities. For much of the year, former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter was considered the favorite, until a controversial interview and resurfaced video footage raised doubts about her leadership style and temperament to run the world’s fourth-largest economy.
The latest entrant? Bay Area Congressman Eric Swalwell. While he brings national name recognition from his role in Trump’s impeachment proceedings back in 2019, his late start means he’ll need to secure donors quickly to compete in this crowded field.
Meanwhile, Democrats have yet to rally behind any of the nine declared candidates, leaving an opening for Republicans to consolidate support. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton have emerged as the GOP’s leading contenders—and they’re outperforming expectations in poll after poll. Political consultant Paul Mitchell even ran 1,000 simulations of the June primary and found a 10% chance of a Republican-on-Republican general election. In California. Let that sink in.
The Pelosi Succession: Who Will Fill the Void?
Another race drawing national attention is the contest to succeed Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi. After her daughter, San Francisco attorney Christine Pelosi, announced she won’t run, the top contenders are State Senator and housing advocate Scott Wiener, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, and former tech executive Saikat Chakrabarti. With about 180 days until the June 2 primary, this race is wide open, and the dust is far from settled.
What Comes Next
No clear front-runners have emerged in either race, but as we inch closer to June, expect the pace, and the drama, to accelerate. CCAH is working on a comprehensive voter guide to help our members make informed choices and support candidates who will champion housing and advance the pro-housing policies we fight for every day.