WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla introduced Tuesday that he won’t run for California governor subsequent 12 months, ending months of hypothesis about the potential of the Democrat vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“It’s with a full coronary heart and much more dedication than ever that I’m selecting to not run for governor of California subsequent 12 months,” Padilla advised reporters exterior his Senate workplace in Washington.
Padilla as a substitute mentioned he’ll give attention to countering President Trump’s agenda in Congress, the place Democrats are at the moment within the minority in each the Home and Senate, however hope to regain some political clout after the 2026 midterm elections.
“I select not simply to remain within the Senate. I select to remain on this battle as a result of the Structure is price combating for. Our elementary rights are price combating for. Our core values are price combating for. The American dream is price combating for,” he mentioned.
Padilla mentioned his choice was influenced by his perception that underneath President Trump, “these will not be regular instances.”
“We deserve higher than this,” he mentioned.
Many contenders, no clear favourite
Padilla’s choice to bow out of the 2026 governor’s race will depart a outstanding title out of an already crowded contest with many contenders however not a transparent favourite.
For a lot of the 12 months, the sphere was primarily frozen in place as former Vice President Kamala Harris contemplated whether or not she would run, with many donors and main endorsers staying out of the sport. Harris mentioned on the finish of July that she wouldn’t run. However one other potential candidate — billionaire developer Rick Caruso — stays a query mark.
Caruso mentioned Monday evening that he was nonetheless contemplating operating for both governor or Los Angeles mayor, and can determine within the subsequent few weeks.
“It’s a very robust choice,” Caruso mentioned. “Inside just a few weeks or so, or one thing like that, I’ll in all probability have a call made. It’s an enormous subject of dialogue in the home with my youngsters and my spouse.”
Main Democratic candidates embrace former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, former U.S. Well being and Human Providers Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, present California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee and rich businessman Stephen Cloobeck. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton are essentially the most outstanding Republicans operating.
Amid fireplace restoration aftermath, immigration raids and a high-octane redistricting battle, California voters have but to show their consideration to subsequent 12 months’s gubernatorial matchup, regardless of the huge energy that Newsom’s successor will wield. California is now the world’s fourth-largest financial system, and coverage choices within the Golden State usually have international repercussions. Newsom is nearing the tip of his second and ultimate time period.
Current polling reveals the competition as vast open, with almost 4 in 10 voters surveyed saying they’re undecided, although Porter had a slight edge because the best choice within the ballot. She and Bianco had been the one candidates whose assist cracked the double digits.
Candidates nonetheless have months to file their paperwork earlier than the June 2 main to switch Newsom.
June incident introduced consideration
Recognized for soft-spoken confidence and a scarcity of bombast, Padilla’s public profile soared in June after he discovered himself cuffed by federal brokers, on the middle of a staggering viral second throughout a information convention by Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem.
Regardless of figuring out himself, Padilla was tackled after making an attempt to interrupt Noem with a query. The manhandling of California’s senior senator was filmed by a staffer and broadcast around the globe, upsetting searing and widespread condemnation.
Days later, Vice President JD Vance joked in regards to the incident and referred to Padilla — his former Senate colleague — as “Jose Padilla,” a misnaming that Padilla instructed was intentional and others characterised as racist.
The occasion put Padilla on the nationwide highlight and rumors of Padilla’s curiosity within the gubernatorial race ignited in late August.
Padilla advised reporters Tuesday that he obtained an “outpouring of encouragement and provides of assist for the concept” of his candidacy and that he had “taken it to coronary heart”
Alongside his spouse, Angela, the senator mentioned he additionally heard from many individuals urging him to maintain his battle moving into Washington.
“Numerous Californians have urged me to do all the things I might to guard California and the American Dream from a vindictive president who appears hell-bent on elevating prices for working households, rolling again environmental protections, slicing entry to healthcare, jeopardizing reproductive rights and extra,” he mentioned.
Padilla mentioned he had listened.
“I’ll proceed to thank them and honor their assist by persevering with to work collectively for a greater future,” he mentioned.
Ceballos reported from Washington and Wick from Los Angeles. Occasions workers author Noah Goldberg in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
