Ian Calderon is running against Xavier Becerra (D, fmr HHS Secretary); Antonio Villaraigosa (D, fmr LA Mayor); Katie Porter (D, fmr Rep); Tony Thurmond (D, Supt of Public Instruction); Betty Yee (D, fmr Controller); Steve Hilton (R); Chad Bianco (R, Riverside Sheriff); Eric Swalwell (D, Rep).
California's 2026 gubernatorial race is one of the most wide-open in decades, with incumbent Gavin Newsom term-limited. No clear frontrunner has emerged - recent Emerson polling shows 38% undecided with no candidate above 20%. Multiple Latino candidates are competing (Becerra, Villaraigosa, Calderon), and if one wins, they would be only the second Latino Governor in California history since Romualdo Pacheco in 1875. Calderon positions himself as the generational change candidate, being the only millennial in the major field.
California uses a top-two primary system where the two highest vote-getters regardless of party advance to November. In January 2026 fundraising reports, Republican Steve Hilton led with most cash raised, while Becerra had $3.8M on hand, Villaraigosa $3.4M, and Porter $3.2M. Calderon is running as a pragmatic Democrat emphasizing his youth, family focus, and pro-Bitcoin/crypto positions. He announced his candidacy in September 2025 with a video featuring his wife and four children.
Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.