CALIFORNIA VOICES TO WATCH - CLICK IMAGE FOR DETAILS -

Key Candidates to Watch:

California’s 2026 governor’s race is one of the most open and competitive in decades. With Governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, voters will choose a new leader during a June 2, 2026 top-two primary that could send any two candidates — regardless of party, to the general election. California hasn’t elected a Republican statewide since 2006, but the unique primary system makes this race highly dynamic. 

Here are five candidates with broad recognition or competitive positioning:

1) Katie Porter (Democrat)

Profile: Former U.S. Representative from California (2019–2025); law professor and consumer protection advocate. 

Campaign Focus:

• Anti-corruption and accountability
• Economic fairness
• Consumer protection

Why Watch:

Porter has consistently been among the top names in early polling and enjoys familiarity statewide. Her candidacy appeals to progressive and moderate Democratic voters alike, though polling shows significant undecided voters remain. 

2) Eric Swalwell (Democrat)

Profile: U.S. Representative from the Bay Area; former federal prosecutor. 

Campaign Focus:

• Affordability and housing policy
• Public safety and democratic norms
• Bridging policy and practical governance

Why Watch:

Swalwell’s entry reshaped the race dynamics, especially in early polls where he competes closely with Porter. His national profile and fundraising ability make him a serious contender among Democratic candidates. 

3) Xavier Becerra (Democrat)

Profile: Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services; former California Attorney General; long history in public office. 

Campaign Focus:

• Healthcare affordability
• Public policy depth from administrative experience

Why Watch:

Becerra brings extensive executive and legal experience. While his polling has trailed the top two, he has name recognition and deep policy credentials that could appeal to voters seeking experienced governance. 

4) Tom Steyer (Democrat)

Profile: Billionaire investor and climate activist; ran for president in 2020. 

Campaign Focus:

• Climate policy
• Economic reform and corporate accountability

Why Watch:

Steyer’s high profile and personal funding capacity make him a candidate to watch, though historically wealthy candidates have had mixed success in California. His entry adds another competitive lane in the Democratic field. 

5) Chad Bianco (Republican)

Profile: Riverside County Sheriff; strong conservative voice in California politics. 

Campaign Focus:

• Public safety and law enforcement
• Critiques of state governance and policy direction

Why Watch:

In early polling, Bianco has led the field, reflecting name recognition within GOP circles and the dynamics of California’s open primary system. While California leans strongly Democratic overall, Bianco’s consolidated support could position him for a top-two finish if the Democratic field remains fragmented. 

Race Dynamics & What to Know

Top-Two Primary

California’s nonpartisan top-two primary means the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election — regardless of party affiliation. This can produce unexpected matchups if vote splitting occurs. 

Wide-Open Field

Polls show no clear front-runner and a large share of undecided voters, emphasizing the importance of engagement and voter education through the spring. 

Why This Race Matters

• Statewide Leadership: The Governor’s office steers policy on housing, economy, public safety, climate, and immigration — key issues for California’s communities of color.
• Representation: A competitive field with diverse candidates offers voters choices that reflect varying backgrounds and policy priorities.
• Engagement Opportunity: Early voter education and outreach can shape turnout and electoral outcomes, especially in the June primary.

Next Steps for Voters

Learn about Other Candidates:

• Tony Thurmond: Superintendent of Public Instruction, focused on income equality, education, and climate.
• Antonio Villaraigosa: Former LA Mayor running again with experience in public leadership.
• Betty Yee: Former State Controller focused on transparency and climate justice.

Learn where candidates stand on issues like housing affordability, public safety, healthcare access, economic opportunity, and equity.

Attend candidate forums or town halls.

Use nonpartisan guides and evaluation tools to compare candidates.

This nonpartisan overview highlights Bay Area leaders of color who are currently serving in elected office or emerging as influential candidates. The purpose is to educate, uplift visibility, and support informed civic engagement.

Barbara Lee – Oakland

Current Role: Mayor of Oakland
Background: Former U.S. Representative
Why Watch: A nationally respected Black woman leader bringing deep policy and community experience to local governance.

Current Role: Mayor of Berkeley
Background: Community organizer and city council leader
Why Watch: First Asian American woman of color mayor of Berkeley, representing inclusive and progressive leadership.

Malia Cohen: San Francisco

Current Role: State Controller

Background:  Controller Cohen has championed policies and programs that protect public health, foster economic development, promote new affordable housing, and create good jobs through protecting and expanding San Francisco’s manufacturing base. She has dedicated her career to public service, focusing on making public dollars work for all Californians.

Background: Former Mayor of Santa Rosa
Status: Candidate for California State Senate (2026)
Why Watch: A trailblazing Black woman leader expanding representation from local to state office.

Current Role: California State Senator
Background: Housing advocate and former Hayward City Councilmember
Why Watch: First Afghan American elected to state office, with a focus on affordability and equity.

Background: Civil rights and disability justice leader
Status: Congressional candidate (CA-10)
Why Watch: Longtime community advocate translating movement leadership into electoral service.

Background: Civic engagement leader and small business owner
Status: San Francisco Supervisor candidate
Why Watch: Grassroots coalition builder focused on housing, safety, and community connection.

Recent Wins

Across the country, cities and counties are electing new mayors, councilmembers, and local officials of color. These roles directly impact housing, public safety, education, and quality of life. 

This nonpartisan spotlight highlights African American and other leaders of color who have launched notable campaigns or achieved recent electoral victories. The purpose is to educate, uplift visibility, and encourage informed civic engagement. 

LOCAL & MUNICIPAL LEADERSHIP

Recently Elected Leaders (2025) 

Zohran Mamdani — Mayor of New York City • Historic Win: Elected in November 2025 as NYC’s mayor, succeeding Eric Adams. • Significance: First Muslim, first South Asian, first person born in Africa, and the youngest mayor of NYC in over a century — a major milestone in representation. 

Sharon Owens — Mayor of Syracuse, NY • Historic Win: Elected November 2025 as the first Black mayor of Syracuse, NY. • Impact: Represents expanding Black civic leadership in mid-sized American cities. Other Notable 2025 Firsts • Across the U.S., several cities elected new leaders of color: e.g., first female and first Black woman mayors elsewhere, reflecting broader demographic changes in local governance.

Abigail Spanberger - Governor of Virginia State • becomes first woman governor as she is sworn in alongside her daughters and husband on Jan. 17, 2026 • Democrat Abigail Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia’s 75th governor, making history as the first woman to hold the commonwealth’s highest office and pledging to lead with unity, affordability and pragmatic action amid deep national divisions and growing uncertainty coming out of Washington.

Within hours of taking the oath, Spanberger, 46, moved swiftly to define the priorities of her administration, signing a package of executive orders aimed at lowering costs for families, strengthening public education, responding to federal disruptions and reshaping the internal operations of state government — an early signal that her tenure will be focused on affordability and what she described as “delivering results.

2026 Midterms Matter

The 2026 midterm elections will shape leadership at the federal, state, and local levels, influencing policy decisions that directly affect women, families, and communities of color. These elections determine who writes laws, oversees budgets, protects voting rights, and sets priorities on housing, healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and public safety.

Bay Area Women United’s goal is to educate, engage, and encourage informed civic participation.

WHY BAWU IS PAYING ATTENTION

The 2026 midterms are critical for:

• Representation: Elevating leaders who reflect and understand diverse communities
• Policy Impact: Decisions made now shape long-term outcomes for equity and opportunity
• Democracy: Protecting fair elections and civic participation

BAWU does not endorse candidates.

BAWU educates voters using issue-based, values-driven information.

NATIONAL RACES TO WATCH

U.S. Senate

• 33 U.S. Senate seats are up for election nationwide.
• Senate control affects:

              ... Federal judges and Supreme Court confirmations

              ... Voting rights protections

              ... Healthcare, civil rights, and economic policy

Why It Matters for Communities of Color

• Senators shape enforcement of civil rights laws.
• Senate leadership influences whether equity-focused legislation advances or stalls.

U.S. House of Representatives

• All 435 seats are on the ballot.
• Redistricting and retirements have made several districts newly competitive.

Why It Matters

• The House controls federal spending, social programs, and oversight.
• Representation in Congress impacts funding for housing, education, healthcare, and infrastructure in marginalized communities.

FEDERAL CANDIDATES TO WATCH

Jasmine Crockett (Texas)

Current Role: U.S. Representative (TX‑30)

Campaign: U.S. Senate (Texas, 2026)

Why Watch: A rising national voice known for strong advocacy on democracy, civil rights, and accountability. Her campaign emphasizes voter engagement and representation.

Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III (Texas)

Background: Senior Pastor, Friendship‑West Baptist Church (Dallas)

Campaign: U.S. House of Representatives (TX‑30, 2026)

Why Watch: A long‑time civic and faith leader entering electoral politics, continuing a legacy of Black leadership and community‑centered advocacy.

Mary Peltola (Alaska)

Background: Former U.S. Representative; first Alaska Native elected to Congress

Campaign: U.S. Senate (Alaska, 2026)

Why Watch: Expands Native representation in federal leadership and centers rural and Indigenous issues.

STATE-LEVEL RACES TO WATCH

Juliana Stratton (Illinois)

Current Role: Lieutenant Governor of Illinois

Campaign: U.S. Senate (Illinois, 2026)

Why Watch: A seasoned executive leader with a strong equity, healthcare, and

family‑focused platform.

Robin Kelly (Illinois)

Current Role: U.S. Representative (IL‑02)

Campaign: U.S. Senate (Illinois, 2026)

Why Watch: Brings congressional experience and a deep connection to community‑based organizing.

Pamela Stevenson (Kentucky)

Background: Kentucky House Minority Leader; retired U.S. Air Force Colonel

Campaign: U.S. Senate (Kentucky, 2026)

Why Watch: Combines military service, legislative leadership, and a focus on justice and opportunity.

GOVERNOR'S RACES

Governors oversee statewide policy implementation, budgets, and emergency response.

Key areas impacted:

• Public Safety
• Housing
• Unhoused/Homelessness
• Economic development and workforce access
• Education and public health
• Voting access and election administration

State Legislatures & Statewide Offices

State legislators pass laws on:

• Education funding
• Criminal justice policy
• Healthcare access
• Voting rules
• Statewide offices (Attorney General, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor) shape civil rights enforcement and election integrity

While National elections often receive greater attention, the Governor's race and State-wide election are responsible for decisions that affect local daily life, as mentioned in the topics above. Acknowledging that every State has its own laws, systems, issues, and challenges, it is important that you as the Voter research candidates running in your respective areas. You should become knowledgeable about their records, plans and priority for governance.

A good part of taking action is your commitment to

• Share your knowledge with others, in particular, the marginalized communities
• Care enough to GET THE VOTE OUT which means circulating and flooding the community with adequate resources, and
• Be certain that they are well informed.