It is no secret that being a Republican in California feels a bit like being a fan of the away team in a stadium full of rivals. For twenty years, the GOP hasn't touched a statewide office here. Not one. But with Gavin Newsom terming out in 2026, the energy is shifting. People are looking at the open seat and wondering if the "blue wall" has a few cracks. If you're asking who is running for california governor 2026 republican, you’re going to find a list that’s surprisingly competitive for a state that hasn't seen a red governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Right now, the field is a mix of law-and-order types and media-savvy outsiders. It’s not just about "placeholder" candidates anymore. There’s real money and real polling numbers behind some of these names. Honestly, the 2026 race is shaping up to be a referendum on the Newsom era—think high taxes, the homelessness crisis, and those "tough on crime" debates that seem to dominate every dinner table conversation from Redding to San Diego.
The Big Names: Bianco and Hilton
The heavy hitters are already out in the open. As of early 2026, two names are dominating the Republican side of the conversation.
First up is Chad Bianco. He’s the Riverside County Sheriff, and if you’ve seen him on the news, you probably remember the cowboy hat. He’s basically the face of the "anti-Newsom" movement. Bianco hasn't just been a critic; he’s been a loud one. He made national headlines for refusing to enforce COVID-19 mandates and has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump.
His platform? It’s pretty straightforward.
- Overturning California's sanctuary state laws.
- Loosening business regulations.
- A massive focus on public safety and "returning the streets" to residents.
What's wild is that early polling from December 2025 showed Bianco neck-and-neck with high-profile Democrats like Katie Porter. For a Republican to be polling at 13% in a wide-open primary might not sound like much, but in California’s "top-two" primary system, it’s enough to make the general election.
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Then there’s Steve Hilton. You might know him from Fox News or his book Califailure. He’s a former advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, which gives him a bit of an intellectual, policy-heavy vibe compared to the grit of a county sheriff. Hilton is running on a "Make California Golden Again" slogan. He talks a lot about the "working people" who are getting priced out of the state. He’s got some big-name endorsements too, including entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Hilton’s angle is that California is the "sick man of America"—a reference to the UK’s economic struggles in the 70s. He’s leaning hard into the idea that the state is "un-livable" for the middle class.
The Rest of the Republican Field
Beyond the two front-runners, a few others have jumped into the pool. It’s a bit of a crowded house.
Sharifah Hardie is a business consultant and diversity advocate who has been campaigning for quite a while now. She’s focusing on economic independence and helping small businesses survive California’s tax climate. Then there’s Leo Zacky, the Vice President of Zacky Farms, who has run for office before and brings an agricultural perspective to the table. Brandon Jones and Jimmy Parker are also in the mix, though they haven't seen the same polling surges as the guys at the top.
The Missing Names (and Rumors)
One person you won't see on this list? Brian Dahle. He was the GOP nominee in 2022 against Newsom, but this time around, he’s set his sights on the Lieutenant Governor’s office instead. It's a strategic move—it keeps him in the statewide conversation without the brutal uphill climb of the governor's race.
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There were also rumors about Lanhee Chen. He ran for Controller in 2022 and was the best-performing Republican in the state, getting endorsements from almost every major newspaper. As of now, Chen hasn't officially jumped into the governor's race, though people keep checking his social media every five minutes. He's currently serving on the AMTRAK Board and teaching at Stanford, but in politics, things change fast.
Why the GOP Thinks They Have a Shot
You might be thinking, "It’s California. Why does it matter?" Well, the primary system is the key. California uses a non-partisan "top-two" primary. This means every candidate, regardless of party, is on the same ballot in June. The top two finishers go to the general election in November.
If the Democratic vote gets split between five or six heavy hitters—like Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, and Antonio Villaraigosa—there is a very real path for a Republican to sneak into that second spot.
Voter sentiment is also a factor.
Recent polls show that about 34% of Californians think the economy is the biggest issue, followed by housing and immigration. These are traditional "bread and butter" Republican talking points. If Bianco or Hilton can convince enough moderates and independents (who make up a massive chunk of the "undecided" 31% in recent polls) that the current leadership has failed on these fronts, they could actually make things interesting.
What Most People Get Wrong About the California GOP
A common misconception is that a Republican candidate has to be a "moderate" to win here. People point to Arnold or Pete Wilson. But Chad Bianco is proving that there’s a hunger for a more "unapologetic" Republican brand. He isn't trying to hide his support for the Trump administration or his conservative values.
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The strategy seems to be: don't try to be "Democrat Lite." Instead, give the voters a clear, stark contrast.
The limitation, of course, is the math. Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one in registration. To win a general election, a Republican needs a perfect storm: a massive turnout from their base, a divided Democratic party, and a lot of "fed up" independents.
Moving Toward the June 2026 Primary
If you want to keep tabs on who is running for california governor 2026 republican, you need to look past the campaign ads and watch the endorsements.
Endorsements tell you where the money is going. Bianco has the backing of law enforcement groups and several state legislators. Hilton has the media presence and national conservative ties.
Here is what you should do next to stay informed:
- Check the Secretary of State's Official List: The formal filing period hasn't closed yet. New "wildcard" candidates often jump in at the last second.
- Watch the Debates: In California, the first "all-candidate" debates are where you see the real friction. Look for how the Republicans handle questions about climate change and healthcare—those are usually the "gotcha" moments in this state.
- Monitor the "Undecided" Polls: If that 31% of undecided voters starts leaning toward one of the GOP candidates by March, we’re looking at a whole different race.
The 2026 election isn't just another cycle. It’s the first time in eight years the Governor's mansion is truly up for grabs without an incumbent. For the Republicans, it’s not just a race; it’s a fight for relevance in a state they once called their own.