Rob Bonta, the state’s Democratic Attorney General, was expected to vie to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom as governor in 2026. Bonta said Wednesday he’ll run for reelection instead.

Bonta's decision could help clear the field for other potential candidates, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.

During an interview outlining the next stage of his career, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he won’t run to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. After considering a run for months to continue climbing the ladder in California politics all the way to the top,

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is staying out of the race to become California's next governor, a senior advisor to Bonta told KCRA 3 on Wednesday.In May 2023, Bonta said he was "seriously considering" a run for governor,

PEOPLE MOVES — Speaking of Rob Bonta running for reelection as AG, veteran political consultants Courtni Pugh and Newman are now senior advisers to his campaign. Newman and Pugh are both Newsom alums, and Newman most recently ran the IE in support of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s successful campaign.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is not running for governor in 2026. The Democratic AG told Politico that he is seeking reelection to his current position, and endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris, should she decide to run for the state’s top executive office.

I would support her if she ran, I’ve always supported her in everything she’s done,' Rob Bonta said of the former vice president.