Sacramento – The decision by Vice President Kamala Harris not to run for governor in 2026 surprised many, especially considering her winning streak in California and her strong position in early voting. This unpredictability is what makes the political landscape so intriguing, and perhaps a bit chaotic. The California governor’s race, still wide open, has potential candidates thinking about their chances to secure office, even as Governor Gavin Newsom is unable to run again due to term limits.

Several prominent Democrats are in the mix, including former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and former Controller Betty Yee. Notably, there’s also Antonio Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles, alongside political figures like Assemblymember Katie Porter. Republicans such as Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton add further competition.

While some candidates appear stronger than others, everyone brings enough political energy to potentially impact the race’s outcome.

Phil Willon from the LA Times provided some insights this week, now partnered with senior Sacramento reporter Talin Luna to keep things current.

Early money

Coincidentally, Harris announced her decision just as the latest campaign funding reports for the governor’s race were set to be released, offering a peek into the financial health of various candidates. The fundraising landscape seems somewhat stagnant, as many donors waited to see if Harris would enter, given her strong early positioning.

However, total funding is not the whole story. Kounalakis managed to raise about $100,000 this year, but has access to significantly more from her lieutenant governor campaign. Her wealthy father, developer Angelo Tsakopoulos, has also funded efforts to support her.

Crubeck, a Democrat from Los Angeles, gathered around $160,000 but made a substantial $10 million contribution to his own campaign, prompting people to say it has “turbocharged” his efforts.

Looking at how others have fared this year:

• Atkins has $4.3 million on hand after raising $648,000.
• Villaraigosa secured $1.1 million, reporting $3.3 million available.
• Becerra raised $2.5 million, with $2.1 million in the bank.
• Porter brought in $3 million since announcing her campaign in March and retains $2 million.
• Bianco reported raising $1.6 million, leaving him with $1 million in the bank.
• Hilton has raised about $1.5 million, including a personal loan of $200,000, but has less than $800,000 remaining.
• Yee gathered nearly $238,000.
• Thurmond raised approximately $70,000, with about $560,000 available.

While some candidates seem financially robust, others are struggling. The takeaway? In the world of politics, how these candidates adapt in the coming months could be crucial.

Harris’ next act

There’s ongoing speculation about Harris’ future moves, especially regarding a potential presidential run in 2028, particularly after her choice against the governor role. Although she’s remained active in national politics, it raises questions about what’s next for her.

Experts point out that Harris might be inspired by her ambitions, despite not running for governor. Some believe her focus will shift to larger public roles.

Gregory H. Winger, a political science expert, noted that individuals in powerful roles who experience setbacks often become more active. This pattern could apply to Harris.

She seems to be keeping her options open, hinting at aspirations surrounding the idea of “fighting for the American people.”

Democrats are losing support from young men

A significant takeaway from the 2024 election cycle is that the Democratic Party has lost traction among young men, who feel overlooked. This challenging revelation has prompted discussions among California leaders, including Newsom, about how to relate to male voters more effectively.

Richard Reeves, a social scientist, shed light on the Democrats’ disconnect with male issues, suggesting that there’s been little focus on the unique challenges young men face today.

As the potential for a Newsom presidential run looms, understanding why young men feel estranged from the party is crucial. Kamala Harris has inadvertently widened the gender gap, drawing more support from women compared to men in the recent elections.

In a personal context, Newsom has discussed issues regarding his teenage son’s interests, noting a shift in how young men engage with media and influencers.

Reeves cautioned that Democrats’ failure to address men’s issues might lead to missed opportunities, as younger males connect with alternative narratives that the right-wing has capitalized on.

The challenges men face, like higher suicide rates and educational disparities, need acknowledgment. Ignoring these can create a void, giving traction to figures who promote divisive ideologies.

In a proactive response, Newsom issued an executive order directing various state agencies to focus on improving mental health resources, increasing male representation in educational settings, and promoting male involvement in community programs.

Newsom characterized Reeves’ input as a significant clarion call for action.

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