People keep asking the same thing: how long can Gavin Newsom be governor? Whether you love the guy or can't wait to see him pack his bags, the clock is ticking. Honestly, it’s not even up for debate anymore.
California has some of the strictest term limits in the country. Because of rules passed back in the 90s, Gavin Newsom is currently staring down the final stretch of his time in Sacramento. He’s in his second term. Once that’s done, he is legally barred from ever holding the office of Governor of California again.
The Hard Deadline
Basically, Gavin Newsom's time as governor ends on January 4, 2027.
That is the day the next governor will be sworn in. Newsom was first elected in 2018 and took office in early 2019. He won his second term in 2022. Under the California Constitution, you get two terms. That’s it. Eight years total in the big chair.
Wait, you might ask, didn't Jerry Brown serve four terms?
📖 Related: Snow This Weekend Boston: Why the Forecast Is Making Meteorologists Nervous
Yeah, he did. But he’s the exception that proves the current rule. Jerry Brown served two terms in the 70s and 80s before the current lifetime limits were set in stone. When he came back in 2010, the law allowed him to run for two more because his previous service happened under old rules. Newsom doesn't have that luxury. He’s a "modern era" governor, meaning his two terms are a lifetime cap.
Why the 2026 Election is Already Heat Up
Since everyone knows Newsom has to leave, the 2026 race is already becoming a circus. You've got big names like Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former Controller Betty Yee already making moves.
Even though the actual election isn't until November 3, 2026, the power vacuum is real. Newsom is what we call a "lame duck," but he’s a loud one. He’s spent 2025 and the start of 2026 pushing national issues, which has a lot of people whispering about a White House run.
But back to the "how long" part.
👉 See also: Removing the Department of Education: What Really Happened with the Plan to Shutter the Agency
The California Constitution, specifically Article V, Section 2, is very clear. It says: "No Governor may serve more than 2 terms." It doesn't say "consecutive." It says "more than 2 terms." Period.
Could He Ever Come Back?
Nope.
In some states, you can sit out a term and then run again. Not here. California uses a lifetime ban. Once you’ve hit that two-term limit, the door is locked, bolted, and the keys are at the bottom of the Pacific.
This is why you see so much speculation about what he does next. Senator? Cabinet member? President? He’s only 58. That’s young in politics. He’s not going to just go back to selling wine in Napa and call it a career.
✨ Don't miss: Quién ganó para presidente en USA: Lo que realmente pasó y lo que viene ahora
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks thought the 2021 recall election might reset his clock. It didn't.
If he had lost that recall, he would have been out. Since he won, he just continued his first term. Then he won a full second term in 2022. The recall was basically a high-stakes speed bump that didn't change his ultimate expiration date.
Actually, the only way he leaves sooner than January 2027 is if he resigns or if something unexpected happens. If he were to take a job in a federal administration, for example, Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis would step in. But as of right now, he’s scheduled to stay until the moving trucks arrive in January 2027.
What Happens Next for California
- The 2026 Primary: This happens in June 2026. Because of California's "top-two" system, the two people with the most votes—regardless of party—move on to the general election.
- The Power Shift: Expect Newsom to issue a flurry of executive orders and pardons in late 2026. That's standard "final days" behavior for any governor.
- The Legacy Play: This final year is all about how he wants to be remembered. High-speed rail? Homelessness? Climate change? He’s running out of time to make the "California Model" look like a success to the rest of the country.
Keep an eye on the budget battles this year. That’s where the real friction is. As Newsom looks toward his exit, the state legislature—which has plenty of people who want his job—is less likely to just do what he says.
Actionable Insights for Voters:
If you're following the transition, the most important date to watch right now is June 2, 2026. That is the statewide primary. Since Newsom is definitely leaving, that election will determine the two people who will actually fight for the seat in November. If you want a say in who replaces him, you can't wait until the general election to pay attention.