A top aide of Gov. Gavin Newsom has entered the race for California Lieutenant Governor in 2026.
Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer, announced Wednesday that he is running for the state’s No. 2 position.
Driving the news: In his current position, Fryday is tasked to lead service, volunteer and civic engagement efforts throughout the state.
- He serves as a member of Newsom’s cabinet and leads all of California’s volunteer efforts.
- Fryday served as an officer in the Navy from 2009 to 2013 as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
- Politically, Fryday served as the Mayor of Novato, his hometown, and as the President of Golden State Opportunity, where he led the expansion and implementation of the California Earned Income Tax Credit. Before that, Fryday was the Chief Operating Officer of environmental group NextGen Climate.
- Fryday is also connected to former Vice President Kamala Harris. He was a clerk in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office during Harris’ tenure as the district attorney.
State of play: Current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is up against term limits and was the first to launch a campaign for governor, hoping to succeed Newsom next year.
- Fryday joins State Treasurer Fiona Ma, former State Sen. Steven Bradford and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs in the race.
What he’s saying: “From the cost of living to the climate crisis to cleaning our streets, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to tackle the challenges facing our state,” Fryday posted on X.
Friends, exciting news: I am running for Lieutenant Governor of California—because change is going to take all of us.
From the cost of living to the climate crisis to cleaning our streets, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to tackle the challenges facing our state. pic.twitter.com/0GYCotsbiA— Josh Fryday (@JoshFryday) March 5, 2025
