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What do you want from the next governor of California?

Golden State’s next gubernatorial election is about 18 months away, but the race already began in a crowded field of candidates hoping for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s success.

Anyone who wins in 2026 will take the wheel of the most populous state in the United States – and Economic power It is supported by major industries such as real estate, high-tech, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and entertainment.

California’s next governor will also inherit bureaucracy that has little effect on reducing us The nation-leading homelessboost Housing construction of a highly necessary homeor relax High living expenses.

Plus, there’s work in progress Reduces state dependence on fossil fuelsclean us The worst atmospherebuilds dissent The impact of climate change and Continue to flow the water.

And don’t forget that it was long behind High-speed railway project And the global spotlight that shines in Los Angeles when it prepares The 2028 Olympics will be held. Also, Donald Trump is the president and The state budget is unstable.

Who wants this big and difficult job? Here are the people who have made their bid so far:

• Eleni Kunarakis (d): That was the current lieutenant governor of California. The first to announce a bid for Newsom’s current job. She highlights her work against tuition hiking, offshore drilling, and advocating for reproductive choices.
• Tony Thurmond (d): Currently, Salmond, public leader of California. I took part in the race early – In September 2023 – and framed his campaign on being a working class advocate.
• Toni Atkins (d): Atkins made history as the first woman to hold both top jobs in the state legislature. Atkins said her Decades of experience in Sacramento Lead the nation by “uniquely preparing” her.
• Betty Yee (d): Previous State Controller Her candidacy was announced in March 2024.highlighted her modest upbringing by Chinese immigrant parents and her financial leadership in the state government.
• Antonio Villaraigosa (d): He served as a Congress speaker before being elected mayor of Los Angeles in 2005, becoming the first Latinx to hold an office since 1872. Announced bid for the governor (his second attempt), Villaraigosa highlighted his ability to work with both Democrats and Republicans.
• Chad Bianco (R): Bianco, current Riverside County Sheriff and avid supporters of President Trump I participated in the race in Februarysaid that California’s dream has been “turned into a nightmare.”
• Katie Porter (d): Former Orange County Councillor and current professor at UC Irvine Law School; Porter took part in the race in March. And she said she aims to protect California from Trump’s policies.
• Stephen Crubeck (d): Crubeck, a Southern California philanthropist and businessman who created fortunes through real estate and hospitality; He highlighted the tone of professional business in his campaignsays Democrats have disappointed Californians.
• Xavier Becerra (d): He is former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden. Prior to that, as California’s attorney general, he sued the Trump administration about 120 times. The conflict with Trump over California’s more progressive policies is expected to remain the focus. Becerra says she’s ready.

Who else can participate in the race?

Most notably, former Vice President Kamala Harris Reportedly, we are considering implementing it After failing to bid for the presidency last year.

If she jumps in, Harris will “reshape an already crowded race with seismic reshape,” my colleague Julia Wick said. I explained it later last year. a November poll survey The UC Berkeley Government Institute co-hosted by The Times found that almost half of voters are very likely or likely to support Harris’ candidacy.

“The current governor’s field is who California politicians are, but there are no clear favorites or stars with broad name recognition,” Julia writes. “The vast majority of California’s 22 million voters are yet to pay attention to the race and are barely familiar with the candidates.”

What do you want from the next governor of California?

Yes, the race is far away and there will be a lot of changes between now and November 2026. But if so many people are already in line for work, why not start the interview process?

We want to draft your help in our latest questions California Citizens Agenda Survey.

Our goal is to focus less on campaigns as horse racing, and more on issues that California voters (are you?) want to take part in the democratic process and understand before choosing who to put themselves in a position of power. To do that, highlight one important question.

What do you want candidates to talk about when they compete for the vote?

I started this experiment first Starting the 2024 election cycle – And hundreds of important California readers weighed it. Your responses helped us to let you know how you covered the election in last year’s newsletter. US Senate candidateI’ve unpacked Confusing State Judge Race And I explored Please continue to engage in civilian activities beyond the voting booth.

you can Please fill out a new survey here Consider the governor’s race. I hope it will take a few minutes to reply. You can share your research with others and hear it from as many people as possible. Next, start looking into your answers, draft some questions in the candidate’s growth area, highlighting the general concerns you have and the issues you care about.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Today’s top stories

“It’s a hellish scene”: Doge Cuts brings chaos and long wait for social security for seniors

• After the Trump administration imposed a drastic overhaul of its social security management system, seniors, disabled people, and those who care for them have come across the knot of bureaucratic hurdles and service disruptions.
• The California field offices are not closed. But many seniors have been crashing web pages, enduring clogged phone lines and turning their backs in their offices, causing frustration in Southern California and countries.

Food bank leaders spent millions on cars, Vegas trips and home renovations, the lawsuit says

Another victim of Trump’s tariffs: California’s electric vehicle ambition

• Last month, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and certain auto parts. If tariffs are properly placed, experts expect that all vehicles sold in the US (gas-powered or electric) will be more expensive.
• Electric vehicles can be particularly susceptible to price increases. EV lithium-ion batteries have traditionally been made from rare earth metals such as cobalt and nickel, which are found mainly overseas.

What else is happening?

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A must-see for this morning

These paid calls around LA say goodbye to someone “before it’s too late.” A art project called “The Goodbye Line” encourages passersby to make collection calls and say goodbye. To your loved one, pet, or part of yourself. Anyone can hear messages of sadness, loneliness and introspection posted on social media. Creators are learning that mourning can be collaborative.

Other required readings

How can I make this newsletter more convenient? Submit a comment to EssentialCalifornia@latimes.com.

For downtime

Going out

stay

Question for you: What do you like in the spring of California?

Marge Holly “One of the things I look forward to in the spring is planting a small garden. It’s really nice to go out and get zucchini, squash and other vegetables out of my garden. Vegetables.

Please email to EssentialCalifornia@latimes.comand your response may appear in the newsletter this week.

And finally… from our archives

Above April 10, 1925author F. Scott Fitzgerald published his third novel, “The Great Gatsby.” In this review of the 1925 novel, Lillian C. Ford captures the classic version of Fitzgerald’s book.

Have a great day from the Essential California team

Ryan Fonseca, reporter
Andrew Kampa, Sunday reporter
Kevinisha Walker, Multi-Platform Editor
Hunter Klaus, Multi-Platform Editor
Christian Orozco, assistant editor
Karim Dwemer, head of the newsletter

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