The countdown to California’s gubernatorial primary on June 2, 2024, is underway, with a growing roster of candidates vying to succeed Gavin Newsom, who is termed out of office. As the election approaches, the Los Angeles Times has compiled an overview of the individuals who have declared their candidacies, highlighting their backgrounds and key positions.
Candidate Profiles
Xavier Becerra serves as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. He has touted the Biden administration’s achievement of administering over 700 million COVID-19 vaccination shots while expanding healthcare access under the Affordable Care Act. Despite his notable accomplishments, Becerra faced scrutiny when his former chief deputy was indicted for allegedly conspiring to misuse funds from his dormant campaign account. Becerra himself is not implicated in any wrongdoing.
Another candidate is Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, known for his support of Proposition 36, which reversed certain progressive criminal justice reforms. He advocates for tougher measures on theft and fentanyl use. Nevertheless, Bianco’s past membership in the far-right group Oath Keepers, revealed through a data leak, has drawn criticism, particularly due to the group’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
Former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon has also entered the race. He was instrumental in establishing the Blockchain Working Group for cryptocurrency regulation and has championed environmental initiatives. However, his family’s reputation has been marred by legal troubles involving his uncles, who were convicted in a bribery scheme, although Calderon has not faced accusations himself.
In the political arena, Ruth Hilton, a senior adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, is noted for modernizing the British conservative movement while championing social issues such as climate change and gay rights. Despite his achievements, Hilton parted ways with his political fundraising site, Crowdpac, following his support for Donald Trump.
Representative Katie Porter from Orange County gained attention after a public disagreement with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding congressional stock trading. This incident has amplified her profile nationally, though it has also raised questions about her temperament following a contentious interview last October.
Tech entrepreneur Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has previously run for governor and U.S. Senate, and briefly campaigned for the presidency in 2020. His candidacy became controversial due to his firm’s investments in contentious sectors, such as coal mining and migrant detention centers.
Former Dublin planning commissioner and current congressional representative Eric Swalwell has a background in urban development and education. Despite his focus on community issues, he claims he faced mortgage fraud allegations from the Trump administration due to his outspoken criticism.
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has stood against conservative textbook bans and was forcibly removed from a school board meeting in 2023. He was overwhelmingly reelected in 2022, despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is recognized for his efforts to increase police presence in the city, contributing to a significant drop in violent crime. His political career has not been without controversy, including a highly publicized extramarital affair that affected his personal life.
Looking Ahead
As the primary date approaches, the candidates face the challenge of distinguishing themselves in an increasingly crowded field. Each individual brings unique experiences and perspectives, shaping the narrative of the upcoming election. Voters will need to consider not only their proposed policies but also their past performance and controversies as they head to the polls in June.
For a more comprehensive look at each candidate, readers can consult the full article available from the Los Angeles Times.
