California is a Top Two Primary State

Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff and Republican, is running for California Governor in 2026. He positions himself as a proven law enforcement leader fighting for the people against Sacramento's special interests and failed Democratic policies.Key points from biancoforgovernor.com:

• Slogans/themes: "From Sheriff to Governor: Protecting California," "A      Safer, Stronger California," "Community First,"      "Proven Leadership," "Real Solutions" — restore trust,      safety, opportunity, and the California Dream.
• Core priorities: Public safety (support/resource law enforcement, tougher      penalties for repeat offenders, combat crime/homelessness/retail theft, defend victims); affordability/taxes (cut taxes on families/businesses,      reduce over-regulation, lower living costs/energy); balanced criminal justice (accountability, transparency, rehabilitation); economic growth and prosperity.
• Approach: Criticizes high crime, taxes, regulations, decline, and mismanagement;      promises practical solutions, transparency, and putting      families/communities first.

Endorsed by assembly members, sheriffs, and leaders; advocates for Proposition 36-style reforms.

Steve Hilton, a conservative Republican (former Fox News host, policy advisor to David Cameron, author, and entrepreneur), is running for California Governor in 2026 to "Make California Golden Again" and end Democrat one-party rule.

• Slogan/themes: "Make California Golden Again"; "Great Jobs, Great Homes,      Great Kids" — restore the California Dream with pro-growth reforms.
• Core priorities:
  • Jobs/Affordability:       No income tax under $100K, 7.5% flat rate above; cut       regulations/spending; lower costs (housing, energy, healthcare via       CALIFORDABLE agenda).
  • Housing: Protect single-family homes, reduce anti-housing rules/lawsuits, cap       hidden taxes.
  • Education: 100% students meet math/English standards; reward/fire teachers; parental rights; make public colleges affordable.
  • Other: Fight corruption/waste (CAL DOGE initiative); enforce laws on       crime/homelessness; support veterans (no income/property tax); end child trafficking.
• Approach: Criticizes high taxes, bureaucracy, mismanagement, and decline under current leadership; promises accountability, transparency, and opportunity for families.

He leads some early polls as a top GOP contender.

Ebie Lynch, a Republican veteran, licensed practical nurse, mother, labor advocate, and Christian faith-guided community worker, is running for California Lieutenant Governor in 2026.

• Slogans/themes: "Back to Cali" (restore economic strength); people-first, bold      leadership; service, compassion, unity, and listening to everyday      Californians.
• Core priorities: Economic development (business support, jobs, tax incentives); affordable housing (zoning reforms); healthcare expansion; public safety; education (parental voice, academics, safe sports); criminal justice reform (community policing, review board); workforce training; water      security; innovation (AI/crypto with safeguards); transparency in      government.
• Approach: Focuses on working families, integrity, equity, progress, and reviving California through compassionate, practical solutions.

Endorsements from community supporters; invites involvement via donations, endorsements, and events.

Gloria Romero, a former Democratic California State Senator (2001-2010) and first woman Senate Majority Leader, switched to Republican in 2024. She's running for Lieutenant Governor in 2026, often aligned with GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton

• Background: Nationally recognized education reform leader (authored Parent Trigger, Open Enrollment Act; advocate for school choice, charter schools, parental      empowerment).
• Slogans/themes: "Show Up. Speak Up. Fix What’s Broken"; restore opportunity,      affordability, and the California Dream.
• Core priorities: Quality education reform (merit-based admissions, protect      standards, campus safety/Title IX, combat fraud in community colleges); reduce cost of living; streamline regulations for housing/energy/fire      prevention/public lands.
• Approach: Hands-on Lt. Gov role for accountability over ceremonial; people over      paperwork; common-sense solutions for working families.

She positions as a reformer fighting for parental rights, merit, and affordability.

Kristina Irwin, a Republican, first-generation immigrant from Serbia, mom of three, real estate professional, and parent advocate, is running for California State Senate District 24 in 2026 (second bid after 2022 loss). District covers areas like West LA, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and parts of the Westside/Palos Verdes.

• Slogan/theme: "People. Solutions. Results." — bold, independent voice uniting across parties; fight Sacramento excuses with action.
• Core priorities: Public safety (reduce crime); affordable communities (lower cost of living, rebuild after wildfires); economic growth (cut red tape, support businesses); combat homelessness; better schools; fight      antisemitism/hate; family empowerment.
• Approach: Listens to families, delivers real results over rhetoric; firsthand experience with California's challenges; focuses on safer neighborhoods,      thriving economy, and community support.

She positions as a non-insider leader for families in SD 24 

Ted Nordblum, a Republican small business owner (medical devices), former union heavy equipment operator, husband, and Conejo Valley resident, is running for California State Assembly District 42 in 2026 

• Slogan/theme: "A Better California Starts Here. With Us." — common-sense      leadership, not a politician but a problem-solver.
• Core priorities: Restore affordability (cut gas tax, defend Prop 13, reduce      spending); safe neighborhoods (support law enforcement, combat      fentanyl/crime); protect communities (wildfires, affordable insurance);      economic opportunity for families.
• Approach: Personal motivation from tragedy/family values; fight Sacramento's failed      policies; focus on hard work, community, and results.
• Endorsements: Includes Sheriff Jim Fryhoff and broad coalition of officials/law      enforcement/business leaders.

He positions as a local fighter for a better, more affordable California.

Jeff Gorell, a Republican and third-generation veteran (naval intelligence officer with Middle East/Afghanistan tours), is running for re-election as Ventura County Supervisor, District 2, in 2026. 

Currently Chair of the Board (elected 2022), he has extensive experience: former State Assemblymember, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles, Ventura County DA, local business owner, and adjunct professor.

• Themes: Improve county efficiency, transparency, safety, fiscal responsibility,  and accessibility.
• Core priorities: Combat homelessness; enhance neighborhood safety (crime,   wildfire threats); attract middle-class jobs; protect the environment.
• Approach: Proven leader with 25+ years in public/private sectors; committed to Ventura County residents (25+ years resident); focuses on practical solutions and accountability.

Endorsed by groups like Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association in prior run 

Tonia Arey, a successful businesswoman (luxury real estate professional) and long-time resident of LA County's 3rd District (including Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas, San Fernando Valley areas), is running for Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 3 in 2026. 

She challenges incumbent Lindsey Horvath in a non-partisan race.

• Slogan/theme: "People. Not Politics." — Bring common sense, honesty, ethics;      put residents first over partisan agendas.
• Core priorities: 
  • Public  safety (top issue): Restore rule of law, support proven strategies/law       enforcement to protect neighborhoods.
  • Public health: Expand access to care for those in need.
  • Environmental       safety: Safeguard coasts/communities via accountability, prevention (e.g., post-fire recovery, debris/toxic waste issues).
• Approach: Community-driven, practical solutions; motivated by local crises like wildfires and recovery failures; endorsed by former Sheriff Alex Villanueva.