NewsNY Post PoliticsMay 4, 2026United States
California Governor's Ballot Features 61 Candidates, Causing Voter Confusion
California's upcoming gubernatorial primary features an unusually high number of 61 candidates on the ballot, leading to confusion among voters. The extensive list, spanning multiple pages, includes well-known figures alongside lesser-known individuals, some with notable names. The process for qualifying for the ballot involves a filing fee or a significant number of signatures, but is not overly restrictive.
Read the full story at NY Post PoliticsWhy It Matters
Residents should care because the large number of candidates and the randomized ballot order can make it difficult to find and select their preferred candidate, potentially impacting election outcomes.
Key Facts
- There are 61 candidates on the ballot for California Governor, an unusually high number.
- The top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the November runoff in California's jungle primary.
- To qualify for the primary ballot, candidates must pay a $4,918.58 filing fee or submit 6,000 valid signatures.
- Candidates must also collect between 65 and 100 nomination signatures from registered voters.
- Candidate names are listed on the ballot in a randomized alphabet order, not A-Z alphabetical order.
Who's Mentioned
personChad BiancodateTuesdaypersonEric McGheepersonTom SteyerlocationCaliforniadollar_amount$4,918.58personEric Swalwellother10date2018date2022personBetty YeepersonLivingforgod Andcountry DemottpersonSteve Hiltonother65dateApril 28, 2026dateFebruary 4, 2026personXavier BecerradateJune 2dateNovemberorganizationPublic Policy Institute of CaliforniaorganizationClaremont Institute“ California gubernatorial debate held at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium in ”other100personNewsompersonKatie Porterother25other61other6,000personBarack ObamapersonBarack D. Obama Shaw