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California has suffered under one-party rule for years, but the 2026 elections may finally change all that. But only if the state’s Republicans can get their act together. The Reform California political movement led by Carl DeMaio is mobilizing an effort statewide to make it happen!
“California is absolutely winnable for Republicans in 2026, but it will take a team-based approach and new strategies and tactics to make that happen,” says DeMaio – who in addition to Chairing Reform California is a CA State Representative.
DeMaio recently unveiled a three-pronged plan to make Republicans viable for the Governor’s race and 6 other statewide offices up for grabs in 2026. DeMaio’s plan involves:
Step 1: Contract to Reform California: DeMaio is proposing that all Republican candidates unite behind one comprehensive policy plan to fix California’s problems – like the Contract with America proposed by national Republican in 1994. You can review DeMaio’s proposed Contract here:
Step 2: Unite Behind ONE Candidate for Each Race: In previous elections, Republicans either were shutout of the runoffs by splitting the vote among too many candidates – or wasted limited resources in the Primary so they did not have enough resources to win in the runoff. That’s why DeMaio is working on recruiting, training and supporting a single slate of candidates in the Primary in 2026 – to maximize the chances of a Republican candidate making it into the runoff in each statewide race.
Step 3: Run the Candidates as a Reform Slate: Because Democrats will have far more money in the runoffs, DeMaio proposes that Republicans running for statewide office will work together as a “Reform Slate” and integrate their campaigns to be competitive as a team – not as individual candidates.
“If we want to win as Republicans in California in 2026, we need to blow up the old tired approaches that have failed us in the past and embrace innovative and aggressive new campaign tactics,” DeMaio says.
But who would be good candidates for each statewide office? DeMaio says he’s already talking to potential candidates – but wants more people to step forward.
Here are the descriptions of the statewide offices up for grabs in California in 2026 – along with potential candidates.
Governor:
“As the state's chief executive officer, oversees most state departments and agencies, and appoints judges. Proposes new laws, approves or vetoes legislation, and submits the annual state budget to the Legislature. Mobilizes and directs state resources during emergencies.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
Lieutenant Governor:
“Assumes the office and duties of Governor in the case of impeachment, death, resignation, removal from office, or absence from the state. Serves as president of the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote. Chairs the Commission for Economic Development; is a member of the State Lands Commission, and the Ocean Protection Council; and sits on the boards of the California university systems.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
Secretary of State:
“As the state's chief elections officer, oversees statewide elections and provides public access to campaign and lobbying financial information. Maintains certain business filings, authenticates trademarks, regulates notaries public, and enables secured creditors to protect their financial interests. Preserves California's history by acquiring, safeguarding, and sharing the state's historical treasures.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
Attorney General:
“As the state's chief law officer, ensures that state laws are enforced and investigates fraudulent or illegal activities. Heads the Department of Justice, which provides state government legal services and represents the state in civil and criminal court cases. Oversees law enforcement agencies, including county district attorneys and sheriffs.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
State Treasurer:
“As the state's banker, manages the state's investments, and administers the sale of state bonds and notes. Serves on several commissions, most of which are related to the marketing of bonds. Pays out state funds when spent by the Controller and other state agencies.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
State Controller:
“As the state's chief fiscal officer, serves as the state's accountant and bookkeeper of all public funds. Administers the state payroll system and unclaimed property laws and conducts audits and reviews of state operations. Serves on the Board of Equalization, the Board of Control, and other boards and commissions.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction:
“As the state's chief of public schools, provides education policy direction to local school districts, and works with the education community to improve academic performance. Heads the Department of Education and carries out policies set by the State Board of Education. Serves as an ex-officio member of governing boards of the state's higher education system.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
Insurance Commissioner:
“Heads the Department of Insurance, which enforces California insurance laws and adopts regulations to implement the laws. Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies. Answers public questions and complaints about the insurance industry.” – California Secretary of State.
Potential Candidates:
Join the Fight - Reform California’s Statewide Campaign Effort
In an attempt to unite voters behind one candidate in each race so voters have a real competitive choice in the November runoffs, Reform California will soon release endorsements in the races where multiple viable candidates are running.
In addition, Reform California is raising funds to support the entire slate of statewide candidates. They are asking Californians to support their efforts and join the campaign today to restore balance in the state’s politics.
