WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor of California next year, ending months of speculation about the possibility of a Democrat vying to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“I decide with all my heart and more commitment than ever that I will not run for governor of California next year,” Padilla told reporters outside his Senate office in Washington.
Padilla said instead he will focus on opposing President Trump's agenda in Congress, where Democrats are currently in the minority in both the House and Senate but hope to regain some political influence after the 2026 midterm elections.
“I choose not just to stay in the Senate. I choose to stay in this fight because the Constitution is worth fighting for. Our fundamental rights are worth fighting for. Our core values are worth fighting for. The American Dream is worth fighting for,” he said.
Padilla said his decision was influenced by his belief that “these are not normal times” under President Trump.
“We deserve better than this,” he said.
Many contenders, no clear favorite
Padilla's decision to withdraw from the 2026 gubernatorial race will leave a prominent name in an already crowded field with many contenders but no clear favorite.
The situation was virtually frozen for much of the year as former Vice President Kamala Harris debated whether she would run and many donors and major supporters remained on the sidelines. Harris said at the end of July that she won't run. But another potential candidate, billionaire developer Rick Caruso, remains in doubt.
Caruso said Monday night that he is still considering a run for governor or mayor of Los Angeles and will make a decision in the next few weeks.
“It's a really difficult decision,” Caruso said. “In a few weeks or so, I'll probably make a decision. It's a big topic to discuss at home with my kids and my wife.”
Major Democratic candidates include former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, a former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Xavier Becerraformer mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosacurrent California caliper. public education Tony Thurmondformer state controller Betty Yee and a rich businessman Stephen Klubeck. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton are the most prominent Republicans running.
Amid wildfire cleanup, immigration raids and tense redistricting battles, California voters have so far turned a blind eye to next year's gubernatorial contest, despite the enormous power that Newsom's successor will wield. California is now the fourth largest economy in the world, and political decisions in the Golden State often have global consequences. Newsom is nearing the end of his second and final term.
Recent Poll shows the race is wide open, with nearly 4 in 10 voters surveyed saying they were undecided, although Porter had a slight lead as the top candidate in the poll. She and Bianco were the only candidates whose support exceeded double digits.
Candidates still have several months to file before the June 2 primary to replace Newsom.
The June incident attracted attention
Padilla, known for his quiet confidence and lack of bombast, took off in June after he found himself handcuffed by federal agents at the center of a stunning viral moment during Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference.
Despite identifying himself, Padilla was captured after he tried to interrupt Noem with a question. beating of California's senior senator was filmed by an employee and broadcast around the world, drawing strong and widespread condemnation.
A few days later, Vice President J.D. Vance joked about the incident and mentioned Padilla—his former Senate colleague— as “Jose Padilla” a misnomer that Padilla suggested was intentional and others have characterized as racist.
This event thrust Padilla into the national spotlight, and rumors of Padilla's interest in the gubernatorial race flared in late August.
Padilla told reporters Tuesday that he had received “an outpouring of support and offers of support for the idea” of his candidacy and that he “took it to heart.”
The senator said that along with his wife, Angela, he has also heard from many people urging him to continue the fight in Washington.
“Countless Californians have called on me to do whatever it takes to protect California and the American Dream from a vindictive president who seems hell-bent on raising costs for working families, rolling back environmental protections, limiting access to health care, jeopardizing reproductive rights and more,” he said.
Padilla said he obeyed.
“I will continue to thank them and respect their support as we continue to work together for a better future,” he said.
Ceballos reported from Washington. And Wick is from Los Angeles. Times staff writer Noah Goldberg in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
