UPDATE: U.S. Senator Alex Padilla has just announced he will NOT run for California governor in 2026, ending months of speculation about his candidacy. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill on October 10, 2023, Padilla expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from voters urging him to enter the race.
“It is with a full heart, and even more commitment than ever, that I am choosing to not run for governor of California next year,” Padilla stated. He emphasized his dedication to fighting for the Constitution and fundamental rights, indicating he will focus on his current role in the Senate.
Padilla’s decision is particularly significant as he had been viewed as a potential frontrunner in the Democratic field to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom, who is completing his term. Following announcements from prominent figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis that they would not run, Padilla’s exit leaves the race wide open without a clear leading candidate.
His absence from the gubernatorial race shifts attention to other potential candidates, including former Congresswoman Katie Porter and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, both of whom are expected to make their intentions known soon.
Padilla has emerged as a significant voice in Congress, particularly regarding immigration issues. His strong stance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) garnered national attention after a recent incident where he was forcibly removed from a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The implications of Padilla’s decision are profound for the future of California politics, as it reshapes the landscape of the upcoming election. Analysts are already predicting a competitive race, with all eyes now on Porter and Becerra to gauge their next moves.
As California gears up for the gubernatorial election, Padilla’s commitment to his Senate role reinforces his ongoing influence within the Democratic Party. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for announcements from other potential candidates in the coming weeks.
This is a pivotal moment for California’s political arena, and Padilla’s choice not to run will undoubtedly have lasting effects on the state’s future leadership dynamics.
