Former California Assembly Speaker and State Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins has ended her campaign for governor, citing the need for Democratic unity as the state prepares for the 2026 election.
In a message to supporters on Monday, Atkins said, “That’s why it’s with such a heavy heart that I’m stepping aside today as a candidate for governor. Despite the strong support we’ve received and all we’ve achieved; there is simply no viable path forward to victory. Though my campaign is ending, I will keep fighting for California’s future.”
Atkins, an LGBTQ+ trailblazer, was the lead author of California’s 2022 constitutional amendment enshrining the right to abortion. The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus praised her, saying, “Toni Atkins’ run in this race is only the latest chapter in a career defined by trustworthy service and lifting up others – a legacy that will continue to shape California for generations to come. As the first openly LGBTQ+ individual and woman to lead both houses of our State Legislature, and as a proud member of our Caucus, Toni has shattered barriers once thought unbreakable and led with compassion, courage, and conviction.”
Her departure marks the second high-profile Democratic exit from the race, following Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis’ decision to drop out in August. It was reported that former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris also considered a campaign but ultimately declined to run.
Despite Atkins’ exit, several Democrats remain in the contest, including former U.S. House Rep. Katie Porter, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and former State Attorney General Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor and former Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, California Democratic Party Vice Chair and former State Controller Betty Yee, and former California Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla has not ruled out a run for governor, even as his Senate term runs until 2029.
The Republican field currently includes Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News commentator Steve Hilton.
A Berkeley IGS Poll last month showed Porter holding a slight first-choice lead, but nearly twice as many voters remain undecided, signaling a competitive primary.
________________
Article By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media
