California Gov. Newsom Holds Off on 2026 Endorsement as Democratic Field Takes Shape

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has not endorsed any candidate in the June 2 gubernatorial primary, according to reporting drawn from multiple outlets that tracked the race after Sen. Alex Padilla said on Nov. 4 he would not run. That same day voters approved a statewide redistricting measure that Newsom supported.

Axios reported that Newsom has told associates some coverage of his private views on the field did not reflect his actual assessments and that he is seeking a competent governor with whom he can coordinate in 2027 and 2028.

Xavier Becerra, who served as secretary of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration, has risen sharply in polls since former Rep. Eric Swalwell left the race. Several other prominent Democrats have opted not to run, including Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis who dropped out last August and Attorney General Rob Bonta who decided against a bid.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has shown no interest in the governor’s race.

Tom Steyer, who has spent more than $100 million on his campaign, clashed with Newsom’s team last fall when his advertising during the Proposition 50 redistricting campaign diverged from the governor’s strategy. Former Rep. Katie Porter has remained in single digits or low double digits in polling.

” Since launching his gubernatorial bid Mahan has shifted his tone, telling Axios in March, “I think Gavin Newsom is a generational talent. ” Mahan parted ways last month with chief strategist Eric Jaye. Mahan and Newsom share donors from the technology sector, including billionaire Michael Moritz, who supported Newsom’s redistricting measure and now backs Mahan.

Moritz told Axios, “Matt Mahan is the only Democratic candidate willing to demand massive changes in California.