The race for California’s next governor is taking shape. State Senate leader Toni Atkins , a Democrat from San Diego, filed paperwork to run in 2026.
This means she’ll join Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond in the campaign to replace Governor Gavin Newsom. He’s serving his second and final term.
The California Attorney General Rob Bonta is also considering a run.