2026 California lieutenant governor race begins to take shape

SACRAMENTO — The election for California’s top offices is more than two years away, but campaigning has begun in the race for lieutenant governor, a low-key post that lacks power but has nonetheless served as a successful launchpad for two Golden State governors.

On Wednesday, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs announced his bid for lieutenant governor, joining state Treasurer Fiona Ma and state Sen. Steven Bradford in the race — all Democrats.

Another handful of politicians have established campaign committees for the office but have not officially announced their intent to run. Senate minority leader Sen. Brian Jones (R-San Diego) has more than $500,000 in a committee to run in the 2026 race, according to state data, but told The Times that he’s focused on “battling” Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats and that his decision will come “at a later date.”

The lieutenant governor role worked as a springboard to higher office for both Newsom and former Gov. Gray Davis. But even they have acknowledged the job’s lack of power, with Newsom openly lamenting the gig and Davis describing the responsibilities as “modest.”



https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-07-17/2026-california-lieutenant-governor-race-begins-to-take-shape