Former state Controller Betty Yee announced her candidacy for California governor in 2026 on Wednesday.
Yee aims to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom in what is turning out to be a crowded field of candidates.
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The big picture: If elected, Yee would become the first woman to hold the position of California governor.
- Yee, a San Francisco native with Chinese immigrant parents, currently serves as the vice chair of the California Democratic Party.
- Her campaign priorities include tackling affordability, bringing transparency to Sacramento, and addressing the climate crisis.
Driving the news: The race to replace Newsom will be a competitive Democratic contest, featuring candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, outgoing state Senate leader Toni Atkins and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
- Yee has previously served as the budget director for Democratic Gov. Gray Davis and as a member of the California State Board of Equalization and state controller.
