The race for California’s next governor just got more interesting with Ian Calderon throwing his hat into the ring. At 42, the Whittier Democrat is positioning himself as a fresh voice in a crowded field of seasoned politicians.

Calderon isn’t new to California politics. Coming from a political dynasty, he was the first millennial elected to the state Assembly back in 2012, serving as majority leader before stepping down in 2020 to focus on his family. Now, he’s ready to return with a campaign that speaks directly to the challenges facing working families.

In a campaign video featuring his wife and children, Calderon highlighted the mounting pressures facing everyday Californians. Rising costs of housing, childcare, and gas have become more than just talking points - they’re real struggles for many families trying to make ends meet.

“The people running our government? They’re trying to use yesterday’s ideas to solve today’s problems and it isn’t working,” Calderon emphasized, signaling a generational shift in political approach.

He enters a competitive Democratic primary that includes notable figures like Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, Betty Yee, and Xavier Becerra. Current polling suggests Porter has an early lead, especially after Kamala Harris decided not to run.

Calderon’s political roots run deep. His father Charles began the family’s political journey when he was elected to the Assembly in 1982. While two of his uncles previously served in the Legislature, Calderon seems determined to forge his own path and address contemporary challenges.

His campaign signals a broader trend of younger politicians seeking to reimagine governance, focusing on pragmatic solutions to complex issues like housing affordability, economic inequality, and sustainable development.

As California continues to be a bellwether for progressive policies, Calderon’s candidacy represents a potential generational transition in state leadership - one that promises to blend political experience with fresh perspectives.

The 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a fascinating contest, with Calderon positioning himself as a candidate who understands both the political machinery and the lived experiences of California’s diverse population.