California’s 2026 race for governor is gaining another high-profile name. Republican tech entrepreneur Jon Slavet confirmed on Thursday that he is running for the state’s top office, adding momentum to an already competitive field. His entry brings a business-driven voice into a contest taking shape well ahead of the midterm elections.
California remains the most populous state in the country and has leaned Democratic for years. The last Republican governor was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served from 2003 to 2011. Against that backdrop, Slavet’s announcement highlights renewed Republican efforts to gain traction statewide.
Why This Race Is Drawing Attention
The timing and political setting make this election notable. Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat in office since 2019, cannot seek reelection due to term limits. As a result, the 2026 race is open, with no incumbent on the ballot.
Recent polling already shows a tight early contest. A new survey places Republican Chad Bianco in the lead with 13 percent support. He is followed closely by Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Eric Swalwell, each polling at 12 percent, while Democrat Katie Porter holds 11 percent. These numbers point to a crowded and fluid field nearly two years before voters head to the polls.
How California’s Election System Works
California uses a “jungle primary” system, which often reshapes election outcomes. All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same primary ballot. The two candidates with the highest vote totals move on to the general election. This format means party labels matter less in June, while broad voter appeal becomes essential.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026. The general election will follow on November 3, 2026.
Slavet’s Background and Message
Jon Slavet is best known for his work in Silicon Valley. He co-founded Guru.com, a platform that connects companies with high-tech workers and played a role in shaping what later became known as the gig economy. He also launched Sentral.com, an upscale housing platform.
In an interview with CNN announcing his campaign, Slavet pointed to his private-sector experience as a key strength. “I come from a background of solving problems and doing great things for customers,” he said.
He added that California’s state government appears to him as “a bloated dysfunctional organization that’s not delivering for the customer, the citizens of California. We’re getting ripped off.”
Policy Views and Political Alignment
When asked about President Donald Trump, Slavet offered praise while stressing independence. “I think Donald Trump is brilliant, brash, I think that he’s shaking up America in a way that needs to be done because our government is very calcified and I’d welcome his endorsement,” he said. At the same time, he emphasized that “when it comes to California, we have to run California our one way.”
Slavet has also spoken about policy priorities. He criticized high electricity costs, blaming a “constrained energy policy.” He called for boosting energy production, including oil, while still protecting the environment to lower prices. Housing supply is another focus, with Slavet arguing that greater private-sector involvement could help ease shortages.
Family also plays a role in his decision. Slavet said he wants his five children to have “a beautiful vision and future and realize their California,” which motivated him to enter the race.
Confidence in a Republican Win
Slavet framed electability as central to his campaign. “The most important thing to look at is who can actually win, a Republican, in November,” he told CNN. “I believe that I can.”
Jon Slavet’s candidacy adds a business-oriented perspective to California’s governor’s race at a moment when voters face an open seat and a wide range of choices. With the primary still months away, his entry signals that the contest will continue to grow more competitive as candidates work to stand out in a state known for challenging political math.