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.

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.

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,

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.

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