This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Democrat Toni Atkins drops out of crowded race to replace Gavin Newsom
Former Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins kicked off her gubernatorial campaign in San Diego in 2024.
(
Bryan Giardinelli, Breathe New Winds
)
Democrat Toni Atkins is dropping out of the crowded 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor, she announced Monday.
Atkins, the former Senate president, wrote in an email to supporters that she was leaving the race with a “heavy heart” but that “there is simply no viable path forward to victory.” She made the call after failing to poll at higher than single digits, according to a person familiar with the campaign, and does not plan to run for another office in this election cycle.
Atkins launched her campaign more than a year ago in what has become an open field since former Vice President Kamala Harris declined to run this summer. Another early entrant to the race, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, also dropped out in August to run for state treasurer instead.
Newsom terms out next year. At least six other Democrats are running to replace him, including former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The field could still change, with Sen. Alex Padilla also reportedly considering a run.
-
Late negotiations have yet to secure a deal. If teachers, support staff and principals walk out, school will shut down for about 400,000 students. -
The 240-pound turtle was taken to the aquarium in January after being found entangled in fishing line and rope in the San Gabriel River. -
Reynold Hoover also said LA28 wasn't using dynamic pricing yet, but could in future sales. In other words, tickets could get even pricier.
Atkins had more than $4.2 million in her campaign account this summer, more than any of the other Democratic candidates, had the support of several allies in the Legislature and held a series of town halls throughout the state in August.
But Atkins faced steep odds in name recognition having never run for statewide office before. She came in third last in an August Politico poll, with just 4% of voters picking her among the Democrats. Leading the pack was Porter with 21% of voters. On Sunday, Atkins did not appear at a Los Angeles candidate forum, reportedly citing illness.
Sponsored message
Atkins supported publicly funded universal health care and was a prominent advocate in the Legislature for increasing housing construction. She would have been the first openly LGBTQ governor in a field of other history-making Democratic candidates.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton are vying for the seat.
Trending on LAist
-
Port officials say "resuming cargo operations at America’s busiest port complex is critical to maintaining confidence of our customers and supply chain stakeholders." -
Who knows when we'll see such vibrance again in this recently drought-choked land? -
It's glorious grunion run season, which means thousands of small, silver fish take to California beaches to mate. -
A new exhibition in downtown L.A., Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure, takes an inside look at the man and his work. That’s aided by access to the artist’s personal life — made possible because it’s presented by Basquiat’s estate, run by his sisters Jeanine Heriveaux and Lisane Basquiat. -
It’s going to be warm this weekend, so take advantage of both the higher temps and the recent rain. -
A possible new rule could require movies to open in more cities to be eligible for an Academy Award. Meant to boost moviegoing, it appears to target streamers — but it could instead cause headaches for small distributors who couldn't afford the change.
Best of LAist
