U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla announced Tuesday that he will not run for California governor in 2026, ending speculation about his potential candidacy. Speaking from the Capitol, Padilla said he remains committed to his work in the Senate.

“I choose to stay in this fight because the Constitution is worth fighting for,” Padilla said. His current term runs through 2029.

Padilla’s decision follows months of discussion among Democratic leaders and interest groups seeking an alternative to Rep. Katie Porter, who leads early polls but faces scrutiny over leaked videos and her management style.

Who is running for California governor?

With Padilla out, the Democratic field remains unsettled. Rep. Katie Porter is the current frontrunner. Former Vice President Kamala Harris previously ruled out a ru

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