You’ve probably seen the headlines or caught a snippet of a heated debate on X (formerly Twitter) and wondered, "Wait, when is Gavin Newsom up for reelection again?" It’s a fair question. Honestly, the political calendar in California feels like a never-ending cycle of recall threats, special elections, and national posturing. But if you’re looking for a date to mark on your calendar for Newsom’s next run as Governor, I’ve got some news that might surprise you.
The short answer? He isn't.
Basically, Gavin Newsom is currently serving his second and final term as the Governor of California. Because of the way the California Constitution is written, he’s hit a hard ceiling. He cannot run for a third term. Not now, not ever.
The Term Limit Reality Check
California doesn’t do "forever" governors. Since the passage of Proposition 140 back in 1990, the rules have been pretty strict. A person can only serve two terms in their entire lifetime. It doesn't matter if those terms are consecutive or if there’s a decade-long break in between.
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Newsom was first elected in 2018, taking over from Jerry Brown. He then survived that high-profile recall attempt in 2021 and cruised to a second victory in 2022. Because of those two wins, his time in the Governor’s Mansion is officially winding down. His current term ends on January 4, 2027.
When Is the Next Election?
Even though Newsom won't be on the ballot, the machinery for the 2026 California gubernatorial election is already screaming at full speed. This is the race to decide who takes his chair.
If you want to stay on top of the dates, here is what the 2026 timeline looks like:
- March 6, 2026: This is the deadline for candidates to file their official paperwork.
- June 2, 2026: The Statewide Direct Primary Election. California uses a "top-two" system, so the two people with the most votes—regardless of their party—move on to the big show.
- November 3, 2026: The General Election. This is when California picks its next leader.
It's kinda wild to think about, but by the time you're reading this in early 2026, the primary is just months away. Newsom recently issued the formal proclamation for the June primary, making the whole thing very real.
Why People Are Still Asking About Reelection
So why does everyone keep asking about when is Gavin Newsom up for reelection? It’s likely because his name is constantly in the national news. He’s been a vocal adversary of the Trump administration, frequently appearing on cable news to debate policy and "California values."
When a politician is that visible, people naturally assume they’re running for something.
And honestly? He probably is. Newsom has basically admitted he’ll consider a White House run after the 2026 midterm elections. In a late 2025 interview with CBS News, he said he'd "be lying" if he said he wasn't giving a 2028 presidential bid serious thought.
The "Shadow" Campaign for 2028
While Newsom finishes his final year in Sacramento, he’s juggling a lot. He’s dealing with a budget shortfall that’s been hovering around $18 billion to $35 billion, depending on which analyst you ask. He’s also been pushing Proposition 50, a ballot measure focused on redistricting.
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Critics say he's "checked out" and focused on his national image. Supporters say he’s just using his platform to protect California from federal overreach. Either way, his eyes are clearly on the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, not another term in Sacramento.
Who is Lining Up to Replace Him?
Since the seat is wide open, everyone and their cousin is eyeing the job. We're talking about a "cast-of-thousands" situation. Some of the big names currently making moves include:
- Xavier Becerra: The former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
- Katie Porter: The former Congresswoman known for her whiteboard.
- Eleni Kounalakis: The current Lieutenant Governor.
- Steve Hilton: A Republican and former Fox News host who has been polling surprisingly well in early surveys.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you’re a California voter or just someone trying to keep track of the political landscape, here is what you need to do right now:
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- Check Your Registration: Make sure your address is current. You can do this at the California Secretary of State’s "My Voter Status" portal.
- Don't Look for "Newsom" on the Ballot: If you see his name, it’s a scam or a very strange write-in attempt. He is ineligible.
- Watch the June 2nd Primary: In California, the primary often tells you more than the general election because of the top-two format.
- Follow the Budget Debates: How Newsom handles the current $2.9 billion "modest shortfall" (his office's words) or the $18 billion deficit (the LAO's words) will likely be the primary weapon used against his chosen successor.
The 2026 election will be the first time in nearly a decade that California doesn't have an incumbent running for Governor. It’s going to be messy, expensive, and incredibly important for the future of the state.