SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Former Democratic U.S. Consultant Katie Porter introduced Tuesday she is coming into the already crowded 2026 contest for California’s subsequent governor, which could possibly be difficult if former Vice President Kamala Harris enters the race.
RELATED: Former US Rep. Katie Porter steps into crowded California governor’s race
The election is to interchange Gov. Gavin Newsom, who’s wrapping up his second time period. In California, a governor can solely serve two consecutive 4 phrases if reelected.
Already, a gaggle of Democrats and Republicans have thrown their hat within the ring to succeed the Democratic governor. California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a Democrat, has already introduced her candidacy. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has additionally introduced a main bid, amongst others. But when Harris decides to run, political strategists say it might create a scramble on down-ballot races.
“The vp, she will get into the race later simply because she has common title ID, most likely a vast capability to lift cash and will very effectively clear the sphere if she does get into the race,” mentioned Jim Ross, a Bay Space political advisor.
Harris will decide by the top of summer season, two sources conversant in her plans inform ABC Information.
Even when Harris will get within the race, specialists say the character of California’s main system might result in unpredictability. As an open main state, all candidates – no matter get together affiliation – are on the identical single poll. The highest two performers from the first finally face one another off within the November basic election.
Who has formally introduced a bid for governor?
As of early March, 9 Democrats and 4 Republicans have launched a former bid for California’s chief govt.
Which Democrats are operating?
- Toni Atkins, former Speaker of the California Meeting
- Stephen Cloobeck, founder and former CEO of Diamond Resorts Worldwide
- Eleni Kounalakis, California Lieutenant Governor
- Katie Porter, former Orange County Congresswoman
- Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent
- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor and former Speaker of the California Meeting
- Betty Lee, former California State Controller
- Michael Youthful, non-public and public sector strategist
Which Republicans are operating?
- Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff
- Sharifah Hardie, enterprise advisor
- Jimmy Parker, a former choose
- Leo Zacky, former businessman of longtime U.S. turkey producer Zacky Farms
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