The California gubernatorial race just got a lot more interesting as State Senate leader Toni Atkins announced her withdrawal from the 2026 election, citing a lack of viable path to victory.

Atkins, who had been a prominent figure in the Legislature and a strong advocate for universal health care and housing construction, faced significant challenges in gaining traction among voters. Despite raising over $4.2 million and holding a series of town halls, she struggled with low name recognition and polled at just 4% in a recent survey.

The race to succeed termed-out Governor Gavin Newsom remains highly competitive, with several high-profile Democrats still in the running. Notable candidates include former Representative Katie Porter, who currently leads in polls, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Senator Alex Padilla is also reportedly considering entering the race.

Atkins would have made history as the first openly LGBTQ governor of California, adding another layer of significance to her potential candidacy. Her departure leaves an intriguing gap in a field already marked by potential groundbreaking representation.

On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton are competing for the seat, though they currently appear to be long-shot candidates in the predominantly blue state.

With Atkins’ exit, the dynamics of the race have shifted, leaving supporters and political observers wondering how this will reshape the campaign strategies and chances of the remaining candidates. The next few months will be crucial in determining who will ultimately succeed Newsom and lead California into its next chapter.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the 2026 California gubernatorial race is far from settled, and voters can expect continued excitement and unexpected turns in the months ahead.