Washington – Sen Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor of California next year, ending months of speculation about the possibility of Democrat Gavin Newlom.
“It is with a full heart and more commitment than ever that I am choosing not to run for governor of California next year,” Pedilla told reporters outside his Senate office in Washington.
Padilla Instead said that he will focus on fighting President Trump’s Agenda in Congress, where the Democrats currently pass the House and the Senate, but they hope to get some political choice after the 2026 election of 202.
“I didn’t just choose to stay in the Senate. I choose to stay in this country because the Constitution is worth fighting for. Our basic rights are worth fighting for.
Padilla said his decision was influenced by his belief that under President Trump, “these are not normal times.”
“We deserve better than this,” she said.
Many Opponents, No Clear Favorites
Padilla’s decision to bow out of the 2026 gubernatorial race will leave a prominent name out of the highly contested race, but not his favorite.
For most of the year, the field was essentially frozen in place as former president Kamala Harris debated whether to run, with many donors and major donors staying out of the running. Harris said at the end of July that he would not run. But another potential candidate — billionaire developer Rick Caruso — remains a question mark.
Carso said Monday night that he is still considering a run for governor or Los Angeles May, and will decide in the next few weeks.
“It’s a really tough decision,” Carruso said. “In a few weeks or so, or something like that, I’ll probably have a decision made. It’s a big topic of conversation at home with my kids and my wife.”
Democratic candidates include Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, former US Secretary of Health and US Minister Xavier Becerra, former Los Anges Antonio Villaragoosa, built in California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former governor Betty Yee and wealthy businessman Stephen Cloobeck. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and retired analyst Steve Hilton are the most prominent Republicans running.
Affid Refumple Reflow Aftermath, migration attacks and High-Octane Redipristrect Battle, California voters have currently turned their attention to the next year’s gubernatorial matchungial, despite the success of the historical power of the forces that will work together. California is now the fourth largest economy in the world, and policy decisions in the Golden State often have global consequences. New Newlom is nearing the end of his second and final term.
The latest polls show an open race, and nearly 4 in 10 voters surveyed say they are the nominees, although Porter held a slight edge as the poll’s top choice. He and Bianco were the only candidates whose support broke double digits.
Tourists still have months to submit their papers before the June 2 Primary to take advantage of the news.
The June incident brought attention
Known for his soft-spoken confidence and lack of public professionalism, Pudilla’s public profile rose in June after it was discovered that he had been pulled over by Federal Agents, at the center of a surprise viral attack on political security Kristi Noem.
Despite being self-proclaimed, Pedilla was targeted after trying to distract Noem with a question. Corrections to the Manhandling of California’s senators were filtered by staffers and circulated around the world, sparking a trend and spread.
Days later, Vice President Jemengament JD vence made fun of this incident and referred to Padilla: All of his colleagues – like “Jose Pardilla,” who is funny, “the opposite of immoral behavior was raised was the intention and some were seen as racial.
The event put Padilla in the national spotlight and rumors of Padilla in the gubernatorial race that he pulled out in late August.
Padilla told reporters on Tuesday that he received an “outpouring of encouragement and support for the idea” of his transplant and that he “took it to heart.”
Next to his wife, Angela, the senator said he also heard from many people who encouraged him to fight for his fight in Washington.
“Many Californians have challenged me to do everything I can to protect California and the American Dream from a President who is corrupt on environmental care, cutting reproductive rights and more,” she said.
Padilla said he was listening.
“I will continue to thank them and respect their support by continuing to work together for a better future,” he said.
Ceballos reported to Washington, Wick from Los Angeles. Times Cantfiter Writer Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles, contributed to this report.
