The election for California’s high workplaces is greater than two years away, however campaigning has begun within the race for lieutenant governor, a low- key put up that lacks energy however has nonetheless served as a profitable launch pad for 2 Golden State governors.
On Wednesday, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs introduced his bid for lieutenant governor, becoming a member of state Treasurer Fiona Ma and state Sen. Steven Bradford within the race — all Democrats.
One other handful of politicians have established marketing campaign committees for the workplace however haven’t formally introduced their intent to run. Senate minority chief Sen. Brian Jones (R-San Diego) has greater than $500,000 in a committee to run within the 2026 race, in keeping with state knowledge, however informed the Instances that he’s centered on “battling” Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats and that his choice will come “at a later date.”
The lieutenant governor function labored as a springboard to larger workplace for each Newsom and former Gov. Grey Davis. However even they’ve acknowledged the job’s lack of energy, with Newsom brazenly lamenting the gig and Davis describing the duties as “modest.”
When the governor is out of city, the lieutenant governor steps as much as oversee state enterprise and might signal payments into legislation. Different duties contain sitting on boards that oversee universities, state land use and local weather coverage.
Present Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is leaning on her expertise within the workplace as she pursues a run to interchange Newsom as governor in 2026.
Here’s what you might want to know concerning the candidates who’ve declared:
Michael Tubbs
An anti-poverty advocate seen as a rising star amongst Democrats, Tubbs launched his marketing campaign Wednesday with a video that shares his story from poverty to Stanford College and guarantees to “upset the setup” by bringing his progressive politics to Sacramento.
The 33-year-old obtained nationwide consideration, together with from President Obama and Oprah Winfrey, for being America’s youngest mayor when he was elected to steer Stockton in 2016 and launched a first-of-its-kind assured earnings program to assist his impoverished Central Valley constituents.
He has not held public workplace since he misplaced reelection as Stockton mayor in 2020 to a Republican, after dealing with complaints spurred by orchestrated native opposition that disagreed together with his progressive politics.
Tubbs went on create the organizations Finish Poverty in California (EPIC) and Mayors for a Assured Revenue and serves as a particular adviser to Newsom on financial mobility.
He stated he sees the function of lieutenant governor as “a caretaker for the long run” and isn’t deterred by its modest popularity, saying mayor of Stockton was additionally a “very out of the way in which” function however he completed massive issues.
“The vast majority of Californians are actually working extremely arduous, and might’t afford fundamentals like youngster care, can’t afford fundamental like hire, like financial savings for tomorrow. And that’s unconscionable, significantly in a state with a lot wealth,” he stated, including that guaranteeing faculty affordability and clear consuming water for all will probably be key tenants of his marketing campaign.
Fiona Ma
Ma introduced her plans to pursue lieutenant governor final 12 months after initially planning to run for governor.
The 58-year-old Democrat was elected because the state’s banker in 2018 and in addition served within the California Meeting, the place she authored laws banning poisonous chemical compounds and strengthening protections for home violence victims.
She is an authorized public accountant and has additionally labored as a member of the California Board of Equalization and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Ma stated she is “uniquely certified” for the place, citing her 20 years of expertise in public workplace. She stated bettering the housing provide and environmental protections are her priorities.
“California wants confirmed management to tackle daring motion to fulfill our formidable local weather change and power objectives, degree the enjoying subject and entice higher high quality jobs for all Californians whereas increasing entry to healthcare, housing and training,” she stated. “I’m dedicated to making sure California stays an financial chief and powerhouse, investing within the small, family-owned companies and the individuals which can be the inspiration of our success.”
Ma is dealing with a sexual harassment lawsuit stemming from her time as treasurer. A spokesperson for her marketing campaign stated she “is wanting ahead to having her day in courtroom to disprove these false allegations from a disgruntled former worker.”
The treasurer has raised extra money than another candidate, gathering almost $3 million, in keeping with the newest public state knowledge.
Steven Bradford
Bradford has served within the state Legislature for 15 years, representing the south Los Angeles space in each homes. Earlier than that, he served on the Gardena Metropolis Council.
As a lawmaker, he has fought for reparations for the descendants of African American slaves and for fairness within the hashish trade , noting the influence of “the struggle on medicine” on individuals of coloration.
He chairs the state Senate’s Vitality, Utilities and Communications committee and has overseen hearings investigating energy outages throughout California and has additionally made police reform a precedence.
Bradford stated if elected, he would deal with creating extra entry to school and on local weather objectives equivalent to ocean safety. He stated his public service document proves his dedication.
“It is a present up job,” he stated. “I present up.”
Bradford named former U.S. Rep. Mervyn Dymally as a mentor, somebody who additionally served as California’s lieutenant governor within the Seventies and died in 2012.
He stated he stands out from the opposite candidates as a result of he doesn’t see the place as merely a place to begin to one thing larger.
“This isn’t going to be a holding place. That’s not what I’m doing it for,” Bradford stated. “It is a work place, it’s not a ‘Hey take a look at me’ glamorous place. I plan to have my head down doing the work.”
