California’s 2026 governor’s race got a little bit smaller on Monday.
Former Senate president pro tempore Toni Atkins told supporters on Monday that she has dropped out of the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom in Sacramento.
What she’s saying: Atkins told supporters in a letter that while she still believes in the promise of California, she does not see a path forward in the crowded race.
- “That’s why it’s with such a heavy heart that I’m stepping aside today as a candidate for governor,” Atkins wrote. “Despite the strong support we’ve received and all we’ve achieved, there is simply no viable path forward to victory. Though my campaign is ending, I will keep fighting for California’s futures.”
Driving the news: Atkins struggled to stand out of the crowded field despite her previous tenure leading the State Senate.
- A Berkeley IGS survey found last month that Atkins was the first choice for just 1% of voters.
State of the race: With Atkins gone, other high-profile Democrats in the race include former Rep. Katie Porter (D–Irvine), former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former State Controller Betty Yee and former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon.
- Former Fox News host and businessman Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco headline the Republican field.
