Rob Bonta, the state’s Democratic Attorney General, was expected to vie to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom as governor in 2026. Bonta said Wednesday he’ll run for reelection instead.

Bonta's decision could help clear the field for other potential candidates, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is not running for governor in 2026. The Democratic AG told Politico that he is seeking reelection to his current position, and endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris, should she decide to run for the state’s top executive office.

During an interview outlining the next stage of his career, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he won’t run to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. After considering a run for months to continue climbing the ladder in California politics all the way to the top,

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has decided not to run for governor in 2026 and instead plans to run for reelection as Attorney General for the next 6 years.