California's highest office is more than two years away, but the campaign is already underway for lieutenant governor, a low-profile and low-power position that has nevertheless been the launch pad for successful runs for two California governors.

Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor on Wednesday, joining the race with state Treasurer Fiona Marr and state Sen. Steven Bradford, both Democrats.

Several other politicians have formed campaign committees but have not publicly announced their intentions to run. Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) has put more than $500,000 into a committee to run in 2026, according to state data, but told The Times he is focused on his “fight” with Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats and will make a decision “at a later date.”

The lieutenant governor role was a stepping stone to higher office for both Newsom and former Gov. Gray Davis, but even they acknowledged the office lacks power, with Newsom openly lamenting the position and Davis describing the responsibilities as “modest.”

In the governor's absence, the lieutenant governor oversees state affairs and signs bills into law. Other duties include serving on committees that oversee universities, state land use, and climate policy.

Current Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis is drawing on her experience in office as she runs for governor to succeed Newsom in 2026.

Here's what you need to know about the candidates who have announced their candidacy.

Michael Tubbs

Tubbs, an anti-poverty activist seen as a rising star among Democrats, launched her campaign on Wednesday with a video about her journey from poverty to Stanford University and promised to “upend the system” by bringing her progressive politics to Sacramento.

The 33-year-old became America's youngest mayor when he was elected mayor of Stockton in 2016 and attracted national attention from the likes of President Obama and Oprah Winfrey when he launched the city's first guaranteed income program to help voters in poverty-stricken Central Valley neighborhoods.

He hasn't held public office since being re-elected as Stockton's mayor by a Republican in 2020. Complaints He was spurred on by organized local opposition to his progressive politics.

Tubbs founded the organization. Ending Poverty in California (EPIC) and Mayors want guaranteed income He serves as Special Advisor on Economic Mobility to Governor Newsom.

He said he sees the lieutenant governor's role as “caretaker of the future” and is not intimidated by his modest reputation, and said the Stockton mayor also accomplished great things in a “very low-profile” role.

“The vast majority of Californians work incredibly hard, yet cannot afford basic costs like child care, rent or saving for tomorrow. This is unacceptable, especially in a state with such a wealthy population,” he said, adding that making college affordable for all and ensuring clean drinking water will be key pillars of his campaign.

Fiona Marr

Ma had originally planned to run for governor, but last year announced plans to run for lieutenant governor instead.

The 58-year-old Democrat was elected state banker in 2018 and also served as a California Assembly member, authoring bills aimed at banning toxic chemicals and strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence.

She is a Certified Public Accountant and has served on the California Board of Equalization and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Ma said his 20 years of public service made him “uniquely qualified” for the post, and that improving housing and protecting the environment were his priorities.

“California needs proven leadership that will take bold action to meet ambitious climate and energy goals, level the playing field, and attract quality jobs to all Californians while expanding access to health care, housing and education,” she said. “I am committed to investing in the small, family-owned businesses and people who are the foundation of our success to ensure California remains a leader and engine of our economy.”

Marr is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit that arose from his time as treasurer, and a campaign spokesman said he “looks forward to his day in court to disprove the false allegations made by a disgruntled former employee.”

The treasurer has raised more money than any other candidate, about $3 million, according to the most recent publicly available state data.

Stephen Bradford

Bradford has served in the state Assembly for 15 years, representing the South Los Angeles area in both chambers, and previously served as a Gardena City Councilman.

As a congressman, he has focused on the impact of the “war on drugs” on people of color, fighting for reparations for the descendants of African-American slaves and equality in the cannabis industry.

He chairs the state Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, which is overseeing hearings investigating the California-wide blackouts and has also made police reform a priority.

Bradford said if elected he would focus on climate change issues such as expanding college access and protecting our oceans. He said his record as a public servant proves his commitment.

“This is a clock-in job,” he said. “I clock in.”

Bradford cited former U.S. Rep. Marvin DiMalley, who served as California's lieutenant governor in the 1970s and died in 2012, as a mentor.

He said he stands out above other candidates because he doesn't see the role as simply a springboard to something bigger.

“This is not a detention center. That's not what I'm here for,” Bradford said. “This is a job, and it's not a glamorous, 'Hey, look at me' job. I'm going to give my all to the job.”