Sen. Alex Padilla says he won’t run for California governor

WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor of California next year, ending months of speculation that the Democrat would run to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“It is with a full heart and with even more commitment than ever that I am choosing not to run for governor of California next year,” Padilla told reporters outside his Senate office in Washington.

Padilla instead said he would focus on opposing President Trump’s agenda in Congress, where Democrats are currently in the minority in the House and Senate, but hopes to regain some political influence after the 2026 midterm elections.

“I choose not to just stay in the Senate. I choose to stay in this fight because the Constitution is worth fighting for. Our fundamental rights are worth fighting for. Our fundamental values ​​are worth fighting for. The American dream is worth fighting for,” he said.

Padilla said his decision was influenced by his belief that under President Trump, “these are not normal times.”

“We deserve better than this,” he said.

Lots of contenders, no clear favorite

Padilla’s decision to withdraw from the 2026 gubernatorial race will leave a prominent name out of an already crowded competition with many contenders but no clear favorite.

For much of the year, the field remained essentially frozen as former Vice President Kamala Harris debated whether she would run, with many donors and major backers staying out of the game. Harris said in late July that she would not run. But another potential candidate – billionaire developer Rick Caruso – remains a question mark.

Caruso said Monday evening that he was still considering running for either governor or mayor of Los Angeles, and would decide in the coming weeks.

“It’s a really difficult decision,” Caruso said. “Within a few weeks or so, I’ll probably have a decision made. It’s a big topic of discussion at home with my kids and my wife.”

Leading Democratic candidates include former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, current California Supt. of Public Education Tony Thurmond, former State Comptroller Betty Yee and wealthy businessman Stephen Cloobeck. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton are the most high-profile Republicans running.

Amid the aftermath of fires, immigration raids and a high-octane redistricting battle, California voters have yet to turn their attention to next year’s gubernatorial matchup, despite the vast power Newsom’s successor will wield. California is now the world’s fourth-largest economy, and policy decisions made in the Golden State often have global repercussions. Newsom is nearing the end of his second and final term.

A recent poll shows the competition is wide open, with nearly 4 in 10 voters surveyed saying they are undecided, although Porter had a slight edge as the top choice in the poll. She and Bianco were the only candidates whose support exceeded double digits.

Candidates still have months to file their paperwork before the June 2 primary to replace Newsom.

The June incident attracted attention

Known for his self-confidence and lack of pomposity, Padilla’s notoriety exploded in June after he found himself handcuffed by federal agents, at the center of a stunning viral moment during a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Despite identifying himself, Padilla was tackled after trying to interrupt Noem with a question. The California senator’s mistreatment was filmed by a staffer and broadcast around the world, sparking searing and widespread condemnation.

Days later, Vice President JD Vance joked about the incident and referred to Padilla — his former Senate colleague — as “Jose Padilla,” a misnomer that Padilla said was intentional and that others called racist.

The event put Padilla in the national spotlight, and rumors about Padilla’s interest in the gubernatorial race ignited in late August.

Padilla told reporters Tuesday that he had received “an outpouring of encouragement and offers of support for the idea” of his candidacy and had “taken it to heart.”

Alongside his wife, Angela, the senator said he has also heard from many people asking him to continue his fight in Washington.

“Countless Californians have urged me to do everything I can to protect California and the American dream from a vindictive president who seems determined to raise costs for working families, roll back environmental protections, cut off access to health care, jeopardize reproductive rights and much more,” he said.

Padilla said he listened.

“I will continue to thank them and honor their support by continuing to work together for a better future,” he said.

Ceballos reported from Washington And Los Angeles Wick. Noah Goldberg, Times editor in Los Angeles contributed to this report.