{"id":2468862,"date":"2025-07-30T18:15:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T22:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/with-harris-out-which-democrats-are-left-standing-for-california-governor-bid-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T18:15:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T22:15:32","slug":"with-harris-out-which-democrats-are-left-standing-for-california-governor-bid-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/with-harris-out-which-democrats-are-left-standing-for-california-governor-bid-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"With Harris out, which Democrats are left standing for California governor bid? &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">30<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fwith-harris-out-which-democrats-are-left-standing-for-california-governor-bid-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2468862&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses the 2026 California governor race following former Vice president Kamala Harris&#8217;s proclamation that she will not run. With incumbent Governor gavin Newsom termed out, the Democratic primary winner is expected to secure the governorship in this predominantly Democratic state. Key Democratic contenders include Katie Porter, a former congresswoman known for her strong anti-Trump stance; Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services secretary and California Attorney General; Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who has shown progressive leadership; and Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor aiming for another gubernatorial bid after a previous loss. Each candidate reacted to Harris&#8217;s decision and is positioning themselves as the leading choice to succeed Newsom.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">With Harris out, which Democrats are left standing for California governor bid?<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2185363\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>After former Vice President Kamala Harris <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3486639\/kamala-harris-not-run-california-governor-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"announced\">announced<\/a> on Wednesday that she wouldn&rsquo;t run for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/california\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"California\">California<\/a> governor, the field opened up for various candidates.<\/p>\n<p>California will elect a new governor in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-elections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"2026\">2026<\/a>, as incumbent Gov. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/gavin-newsom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Gavin Newsom\">Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA) will be termed out. In such a deep blue state, the winner of the Democratic primary is nearly certain to win the general election.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/entertainment\/3486567\/kamala-harris-ally-katy-perry-dines-with-justin-trudeau-in-montreal-stirring-speculation\/\">Kamala Harris ally Katy Perry dines with Justin Trudeau in Montreal, stirring speculation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3486639\/kamala-harris-not-run-california-governor-2026\/\">Kamala Harris announces she will not run for California governor in 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3486646\/zohran-mamdani-jews-antisemitism-fears-poll-commanding-lead-nyc-voters\/\">Mamdani defies antisemitism fears in poll showing commanding lead with NYC Jewish voters<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Here are the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >top contenders<\/a> to replace Newsom, with Harris now out of the picture.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Katie Porter<\/h2>\n<p>Former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter entered the race on March 11 and is the front-runner. She was elected in 2018 to represent a district historically represented by Republicans. She was a vocal, anti-Trump voice during her time in Congress.<\/p>\n<p>Porter opted to run for Senate during the 2024 elections and lost in the Democratic primary to Sen. Adam Schiff, who went on to beat Steve Garvey in the general election.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier in her career, Porter was appointed by then-Attorney General Harris in 2012 as California&rsquo;s independent monitor of a $25 billion national mortgage settlement.<\/p>\n<p>With Harris as the previous polling favorite, Porter was the second most popular Democrat in the <a href=\"https:\/\/emersoncollegepolling.com\/april-2025-california-poll-harris-leads-hypothetical-gubernatorial-primary-50-of-voters-think-she-should-not-run\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">polls<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Xavier Becerra<\/h2>\n<p>Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra launched his campaign in April. He has over 30 years of experience representing California, serving in a district representing neighborhoods around Downtown Los Angeles from 1993 through 2017. He was also chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.<\/p>\n<p>In 2017, then-Gov. Jerry Brown chose him to replace Kamala Harris as California&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/breaking-ag-barr-authorizes-federal-prosecutors-to-pursue-substantial-allegations-of-voting-irregularities-before-2020-election-is-certified\/\" title=\"BREAKING: AG Barr Authorizes Federal Prosecutors to Pursue &quot;Substantial Allegations&quot; of Voting Irregularities Before 2020 Election is Certified\">attorney general<\/a> after she was elected to the Senate. He became HHS secretary in March 2021 and held the position for the rest of Joe Biden&rsquo;s presidency.<\/p>\n<p>Following Harris&rsquo;s announcement that she wouldn&rsquo;t run, Becerra appeared to <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/XavierBecerra\/status\/1950652499293258148\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"link\">link<\/a> himself to her, saying he was &ldquo;proud of our shared record.&rdquo; This move isn&rsquo;t surprising, given that Harris polled 57% among California Democrats.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eleni Kounalakis<\/h2>\n<p>Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis was elected to her current position after a grassroots campaign that saw her visit all of California&rsquo;s 58 counties. As California&rsquo;s No. 2, Kounalakis has gone so far to prove her progressive stances that she&rsquo;s often gone ahead of Newsom, even going against him in asking California Secretary of State Shirley Weber to exclude Trump from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/no-spike-in-florida-coronavirus-cases-despite-no-mask-mandate\/\" title=\"No Spike in Florida Coronavirus Cases Despite No Mask Mandate\">state&#038;rsquo<\/a>;s 2024 primary.<\/p>\n<p>Kounalakis launched her bid for governor over three years before Election Day, announcing in April 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Konalakis also <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/EleniForCA\/status\/1950651222459097381\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"praised\">praised<\/a> Harris after her announcement to leave the race.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Antonio Villaraigosa<\/h2>\n<p>Antonio Villaraigosa served as Los Angeles mayor from 2005 to 2013 and has since spent his time in advocacy. He experienced a blistering loss in the 2018 gubernatorial election, coming in third place, but is now hoping for another shot.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/in_focus\/3377377\/katie-porter-waiting-game-california-governor-race\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"KATIE PORTER STUCK IN WAITING GAME IN CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR&rsquo;S RACE\">KATIE PORTER STUCK IN WAITING GAME IN CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR&rsquo;S RACE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Villaraigosa has catered much of his message toward affordability and economic growth.<\/p>\n<p>Like the other candidates, Villaraigosa <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AVillaraigosa\/status\/1950633061810606221\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"praised\">praised<\/a> Harris&rsquo;s decision not to run for governor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2185363\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2185363\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Harris out, who remains in California governor race?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2653,"featured_media":2468863,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Porter.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[33192,45410,32742],"class_list":["post-2468862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-california-governor","tag-democratic-candidates","tag-gavin-newsom"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Porter.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2468862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2653"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2468862"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2468862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2468866,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2468862\/revisions\/2468866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2468863"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2468862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2468862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2468862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}