FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Michael Duncan was fine-tuning the screen on his front door when he recently paused to reflect on his expectations for California’s forthcoming governor.
Duncan admitted he hadn’t thought about it much before. However, when it comes down to it, he stated, the requirements are pretty basic: Get the fundamentals right.
Tackle crime. Repair the state’s pothole-riddled roads. Tackle the ongoing homelessness crisis. And make greater efforts, as far as a governor’s influence allows, to prevent wildfires like the blaze that ravaged large areas of Southern California.
“I just roll my eyes,” said Duncan, who commutes approximately 120 miles round trip from his home in Fairfield to his environmental analyst job in Livermore — and knows precisely which potholes to avoid along the route. “Why does it take so long to accomplish such straightforward tasks?”
The reasons are multifaceted, but that likely won’t pacify a California voter base that appears anxious, frustrated, and discontented — particularly regarding the current governor.
Over half a dozen contenders are vying for the opportunity to take over from Gavin Newsom. Some have been campaigning for over a year, anticipating the day in January 2027 when term limits will remove the Democrat from office. However, many Californians may not be aware of this — numerous individuals had no idea who is running.
In discussions last week with nearly thirty voters ranging from the outskirts of the San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada foothills, only a few could name any of the declared candidates.
“That guy in Riverside, the sheriff,” mentioned Zach House, 31, referring to Republican Chad Bianco. An 8-by-12-foot American flag flapped loudly outside his door in Dixon, where streets were named Songbird, Honeybee, and Blossom. “Currently,” House added, “that’s the only candidate I’m interested in.”
“The Mexican American gentleman,” Brenda Turley identified outside the post office in Rosemont, referring to Antonio Villaraigosa. “Wasn’t he the mayor of Los Angeles?” (He was.)
It’s still relatively early in the gubernatorial race. And it’s worth noting that current events — the wildfires in Southern California, Hurricane Trump — have been quite overwhelming.
Yet, while many voters appear unfocused on the election, most echoed Duncan’s call for a commitment to core issues, voicing a desire for the next governor to be fully engaged in the role rather than viewing it as a temporary post or a step toward higher ambitions.
“I feel like [Newsom] spent more time trying to position himself for the next presidential campaign than on state matters,” mentioned Duncan, 37, who identifies as a moderate who often votes against the party in power to keep them in check.
Michael Duncan desires California’s next governor to concentrate on core issues, not on presidential aspirations.
(Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)
This total commitment is something Kamala Harris may want to consider as she contemplates a run for governor — and it’s a concern she’ll need to address if she decides to enter the race.
The former vice president, who now splits her time between an apartment in New York City and her residence in Brentwood, remains as divisive as ever since her curtailed White House campaign.
Turley, a retired state employee, stated she would wholeheartedly support Harris if she decides to run. “Go for it,” the 80-something Democrat urged. “Why not? She has the experience. Just look at her political background. She was [California] attorney general. She served in the Senate.”
Peter Kay, 75, a fellow Democrat, concurred. “She’s more qualified than about 90% of the candidates who run for any office in this nation,” remarked Kay, who resides in Suisun City. (The retired insurance underwriter, just back from the car wash, was wiping down his black Tesla and commented on the company’s CEO: “If he weren’t Elon Musk, he’d likely be in some institution, probably sharing a room with Trump.”)
The conservative viewpoint on Harris was captured by Lori Smith, 66, a dental hygienist in Gold River, who reacted to her name with a mix of despair and disgust.
“Oh, God! Oh, my God!” Smith exclaimed, promising to leave California if Harris becomes governor. “I could never envision her as president. We narrowly escaped that situation. I think she just needs to have a quiet life in a small town and fade away.”
There’s no pleasing everyone, even under a brilliant blue sky and lush green hills, thanks to a much-needed wet winter in Northern California.
Some voiced concerns about excessive environmental regulations. Others felt more actions are necessary to protect fish and wildlife. Some argued that farmers need a bigger water supply. Others contended that city residents deserve a larger share.
Others expressed frustration about homeless individuals occupying public areas. Amanda Castillo, who resides in her car, urged for increased empathy and understanding.
The 26-year-old works full time in retail in Vacaville yet struggles to find housing, living in a silver GMC Yukon with her boyfriend and his mother, who were inside the public library charging their devices. “I consider myself fortunate,” Castillo said. “If I weren’t sleeping in the car, I’d likely be on the street or in a cardboard box.”
Hovering over every conversation — like the large, fluffy clouds overhead, but much less delightful — was President Trump.
Partisans largely disagreed, as one might predict, on California’s approach to dealing with the president and his formidable administration.
“Anyone with a platform should be speaking out,” fighting Trump in legal battles and resisting wherever possible, stated Eunice Kim, 42, a Sacramento doctor and self-described liberal, who paused outside the library in El Dorado Hills while her sons, aged 5 and 8, played on the lawn.
Tanya Pavlus, a 35-year-old stay-at-home mother, disagreed. The Rancho Cordova Republican, who backed Trump, outlined numerous issues affecting the state, including high fuel prices and the exorbitant cost of living. Any California governor “could benefit from the president’s guidance,” Pavlus remarked, “because the current situation is quite telling.”
Yet not everyone fell into predictable categories.
Ray Charan, 39, a Sacramento Democrat working in state information technology, stated that regardless of personal feelings, Trump is president, “so it necessitates some level of professional coordination. While you may not agree with all his policies or the surrounding drama, if there’s a chance to collaborate for the state’s benefit, I fully endorse it.”
Ray Charan believes Democrats need to seek ways to collaborate with President Trump.
(Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)
Sean Coley, a Trump supporter, was equally straightforward.
“There’s no point in opposing Trump. We’ve seen the consequences,” said the 36-year-old Rancho Cordova Republican, who works as a background investigator and part-time wedding photographer. “To secure federal funding and progress, you need to collaborate with those on the opposing side, especially when they exhibit such aggressiveness as Trump does.
“I’d suggest drawing a Venn diagram. Identify his priorities and yours,” Coley proposed. “Determine the overlaps, and focus on those issues.”
This kind of pragmatism may not ignite fiery political fervor. However, practicality appears to be what many Californians are seeking from their next governor.
