By: Nelson Kramer

Humor Editor

Now that President Trump entered office on Jan. 19, politicians are already preparing for the midterm election next year. Often overlooked, the midterm election serves as an essential time to contest all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and one-third of the seats in the Senate. Locally, the midterm election is a chance to put the position of governor on the ballot in all states. In the case of California, current governor Gavin Newsom will have finished his second term, leaving his seat to be filled next year on Nov. 3, 2026. Some eager candidates have already announced their bid in this election race.

Former Orange County Representative Katie Porter announced her candidacy on Mar. 11 and leads her democratic campaign with the message of combating the effects of the Trump Administration on California policy. Porter also promises to address the high price of living in the state with the current housing crises and the high cost of child care.

The previous mayor of Los Angeles, Antonia Villaraigosa, intends to expand his political career as he announced that he will also be running for governor. As another democratic candidate, his platform includes educational reform, public transportation expansion, and overall crime reduction. 

Former State Controller Betty Yee is running as a Democrat in the 2026 election, focusing her campaign on her experience in state governance and fiscal management. Her nomination focuses on managing a well-rounded and stable budget while also combating concerns about healthcare and the economic crisis California residents face.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is running for governor under the Republican Party and centers his campaign on the responsibility of public safety and fiscal management. Many of his supporters are concerned about crime, taxation, and government responsibility, which he intends to address. 

Democrat Eleni Kounalakis, currently serving as the lieutenant governor of California, announced her candidacy for governor of California nearly two years ago. In her campaign, she prioritizes the homelessness crisis, educational reform, and economic equity. 

Toni Atkins, former president pro tem of the California senate, aims to be the state’s first woman and LGBTQ+ governor by running in the 2026 California gubernatorial election as a Democrat. One of the focal points of her campaign is implementing single-payer healthcare in California while also emphasizing the importance of affordable housing. 

As we get closer to next year’s midterm election proceedings, we can expect more politicians to step into the political race. At this point, some others include entrepreneur Stephen J. Cloobeck, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, and long-time actor and screenwriter Mel Gibson. 

(Sources: AP, CalMatters, Politico, Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle)