California Democrats are reportedly urging Democrat Sen. Alex Padilla to run in the state’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
While powerful voices in Sacramento want Padilla to run in California’s marquee matchup, the senator still does not have the name recognition that other Golden State politicians — such as former Vice President Kamala Harris — do, according to Politico.
The senator is reportedly weighing a bid to replace term-limited Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Padilla is part and has been part of the Sacramento culture,” Jodi Hicks, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, told Politico. “He came here very young and spent a lot of time with people and has deep relationships.”
Harris announced in late July that she was passing on a bid for California’s governor’s mansion after months of speculation that she was weighing a run, leaving a wide-open contest. (RELATED: Kamala Harris Declines Run For California Governor)
In late August, Padilla signaled openness to the idea of a potential run for California governor, telling Politico in an interview that he loves the state and hopes “to continue to serve in some capacity.”
In June, Padilla made headlines after he interrupted a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, leading security to forcefully remove him from the conference room. The California Democrat ended up face down on the ground in handcuffs outside the press conference.
Recent polls show Harris supporters shifting to former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race after Harris declined to run. Still, Democratic operatives, interest groups, and funders have voiced concerns about Porter’s status as the current frontrunner, according to Politico.
“This is an uncertain time for California, and Alex Padilla brings certainty and stability,” Afrack Vargas, a Sacramento lobbyist who has known Padilla for almost 30 years, told Politico.
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Hating cops and babies. Running for governor. Californicate.
Alex a do nothing legislator comes from a long established crime family.
He is a follower of the corrupt Globalist Establishment Elite, not a leader of or for the Citizens of this country.
We don’t need another stool sample as governor.