Who's running for CA governor to replace termed-out Gavin Newsom? Here's a look at field - so far

SAN FRANCISCO -- The 2026 election to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom is already heating up, with more than a dozen candidates having formally announced bids for California governor.

Xavier Becerra - the former health secretary under President Joe Biden - is the latest Democrat to throw his hat in the ring and brings one of the lengthiest resumes of the candidates so far.

RELATED: Former state AG and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra enters crowded California governor race

"Everyone should have the opportunity to do what a construction worker and a clerical worker, my parents, did. That is to buy their own home. That is to live in a safe neighborhood, that is to send their kids to college, and that is to be able to retire with peace of mind. That's what this is all about. That's what I'm going to be about," he told ABC7 after launching his campaign Wednesday.

His bid is making waves in what has been a previously-stagnant race, as political donors wait out to see if former Vice President Kamala Harris will throw her hat in the ring. Increased interest in the contest also spiked last month when former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter announced joined the rapidly-growing field.

"The question really isn't about the folks in this race, it's about Harris," said Nolan Higdon, a political and media analyst with UC Santa Cruz. "given the shape of the party right now and how much of the voting population has a, negative feeling toward the Democratic Party, I would imagine people are going to stay in longer than usual to see if they can make, something happen here."

Both Becerra and Porter have already vowed to stay in the race, regardless of what Harris' ultimate decision is.

Other contenders seeking to succeed the governor include Democratic Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and former mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa. But if Harris decides to run, political strategists say it could create a scramble on down-ballot races.

"The vice president, she can get into the race later just because she has universal name ID, probably an unlimited ability to raise money and could very well clear the field if she does get into the race," said Jim Ross, a Bay Area political consultant.

Republican strategist Matt Shupe said he is hoping the crowded field of Democrats will play to his party's favor.

"It may actually help in this cycle if you got so many Democrats, they're so embedded into that party. Maybe they become so divided where it allows two Republicans to advance," he said. "I think the Californians are ready for a serious change in philosophy and leadership and more of the status quo. More of these failed politicians don't represent that."

Who has formally announced a bid for governor?

As of early March, nine Democrats and four Republicans have launched a former bid for California's chief executive.

Which Democrats are running?

• Toni Atkins, former Speaker of the California Assembly and former State Senate President pro tempore
• Stephen Cloobeck, founder and former CEO of Diamond Resorts International
• Eleni Kounalakis, California Lieutenant Governor
• Katie Porter, former Orange County Congresswoman
• Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent
• Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor and former Speaker of the California Assembly
• Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California Attorney General
• Betty Yee, former California State Controller
• Michael Younger, private and public sector strategist

Which Republicans are running?

• Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff
• Sharifah Hardie, business consultant
• Jimmy Parker, a former judge
• Leo Zacky, former businessman of longtime U.S. turkey producer Zacky Farms

Newsom's second term expires in 2026. In California, a governor can only serve two consecutive four-year terms if reelected.