SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has dropped out of the 2026 governor's race and is instead running for another state office.

A statement sent to our affiliate, the San Francisco Chronicle, reads:

“This decision was not made lightly. Over the course of my campaign for governor, I have had the opportunity to engage with Californians across the state — listening to their concerns, hopes, and ideas for a stronger, more equitable future. I believe I can make the greatest impact by focusing on California’s financial future.”

Kounalakis' campaign website also has multiple references across her page that indicate she is now running to become the state treasurer. The Sacramento native announced her bid to become governor in April 2023 .

Her decision to drop out of the gover

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