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2 years, 27 million voters, and a whole lot of work ahead. Stay up to date on the latest news.

Toni Atkins for Governor | Latest News

<p><strong><em>Tour kicks off on Aug. 20 in Red Bluff, Calif., with stops across state</em></strong><em>.  </em>At the opening of her new campaign headquarters, Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins announced the launch of her statewide tour: Toni in Your Town. The tour will kick off on Wednesday, August 20 in Red Bluff, Calif., and will wrap up on Thursday, August 28 in Riverside — with stops across the state in between. More details will be released in the coming days.</p><p><strong>Atkins spoke about the reasons behind the tour: </strong>"As we plant our roots even deeper here in San Diego — the place that made me who I am — I’m thrilled to share what’s next for this campaign. Later this month, we’ll be hitting the road for a statewide tour we’re calling Toni in Your Town."</p>

<h4>Toni Atkins Announces Statewide Tour “Toni in Your Town”</h4>

<p><strong>California’s roads are crumbling and overcrowded. We must repair our highways, upgrade and expand public transit, and improve local streets that families rely on every day. It’s time to fix our broken transportation system. I will push for faster, cleaner and more reliable transportation options that will reduce congestion and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Whether it’s fixing potholes or expa</strong></p>

<h2>Fix Our Roads and Transportation Systems</h2>

<p><strong>RED BLUFF, CA</strong> — In case you missed it, Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins spoke with <a href="https://toniatkins.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46901009d6fe3d1daca1580ae&amp;id=4968d446d1&amp;e=11dea5d18f"><strong>KRCR</strong></a> yesterday on the first stop of her “Toni in Your Town” statewide tour in Red Bluff. They discussed Atkins’ roots in rural Virginia, the demand for more responsive leadership, and voters’ common desire to see real results.</p><p>In discussing her visit to local organizations and businesses, Atkins emphasized that her background is a driving force for why she doesn’t forget places like the North State.</p>

<h4>“People are tired of rhetoric and politics”: Atkins Discusses Gubernatorial Run on KRCR</h4>

<p><strong>State Senate leader Toni Atkins is running for governor in 2026</strong>, she announced Friday in San Diego, making it increasingly likely that California’s next leader will not be a white man for the first time since 1875.<br></p>

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<h4>Toni Atkins, first woman to lead California’s Assembly and Senate, will run for governor</h4>

<p><strong>Atkins’ $1.6 million haul leads all candidates in 2024 fundraising for Governor</strong></p><p>&nbsp;San Diego, CA – Fundraising reports just released show that Toni Atkins out-raised all other candidates in the first reporting period since&nbsp;<a href="https://toniatkins.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46901009d6fe3d1daca1580ae&amp;id=5d590dba25&amp;e=11dea5d18f" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">announcing her historic campaign</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;Governor earlier this year. Atkins raised more than $1.6 million over the period, which is more than any of the other candidates. <strong>Atkins has received more than $4 million in total contributions in the race to be California’s next Governor.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h4>Toni Atkins outraises all candidates running for Governor</h4>

<p><strong>Former Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, who is running for California governor in 2026, announced that her campaign has outstripped her Democratic rivals when it comes to fundraising</strong>, bringing in $1.6 million between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year.</p><p>That’s more than Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis ($1.4 million), former Controller Betty Yee ($593, 691) and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond ($317,863).</p>

<h4>Sacramento Bee: Toni Atkins outraises her fellow Democrats in the race to become California governor</h4>

<p>Join Toni for tacos and a discussion about California's most pressing issues.</p>

<h4><p>Red Bluff</p><p>Democratic Central Committee &amp; CADEM Delegate Meet &amp; Greet</p></h4>

Red Bluff Tacos

<p><strong>The nation’s most populous state could elect a lesbian governor in 2026.</strong></p><p>Longtime California legislator Toni Atkins, a Democrat, announced Friday that she will run for the post. She had said late last year that she was considering a run, but this makes it official.</p>

<h4>Lesbian Toni Atkins announces run for California governor in 2026</h4>

<p><strong>Riverside, CA — </strong>Today, Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins brought her campaign to the heart of the Inland Empire, hosting a health care roundtable in Riverside with Chair of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors V. Manuel Perez. Joined by local health care providers, and medical professionals, Atkins heard firsthand how the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” threatens access to care in communities like Riverside — where nearly half the population depends on Medi-Cal for essential health services.</p>

<h4>TONI IN YOUR TOWN: Atkins Hosts Health Care Roundtable in Riverside</h4>

<p><strong><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary)">SAN DIEGO </span></strong>- State Senator Toni Atkins, a San Diegan, officially announced her bid for the governor of California Friday, setting the stage for another history-making moment in Golden State politics.</p>

<h4>California Senate leader Toni Atkins announces bid for governor</h4>

<p>Today, Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins officially opened her campaign headquarters in San Diego, joined by a powerhouse lineup of local leaders and supporters.</p><p>Standing alongside Atkins were <strong>Congressman Scott Peters</strong>, <strong>Mayor Todd Gloria</strong>, <strong>State Senator Steve Padilla, Assemblymember Chris Ward</strong>, <strong>County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre</strong>, <strong>Chairwoman Erica Pinto</strong> of the Jamul Indian Village of California, <strong>Jesse Garcia</strong> of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, and <strong>Cori Schumacher</strong> representing IBEW Local 569.</p>

<h4>Toni Atkins Opens Campaign Headquarters with Strong Show of San Diego Support</h4>

<p><strong>State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced a 2026 run for California governor</strong> Friday morning, making the legislative leader the latest entrant in an increasingly crowded race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom after he is forced out of office by term limits.</p>

<h4>State Senate leader Toni Atkins joins 2026 race for California governor</h4>

<p>Join Toni for a BBQ and a discussion about California's most pressing issues.</p>

<h4><p>Red Bluff</p><p>BBQ and Conversation with Local Leaders</p></h4>

Red Bluff BBQ

<p><strong>As we fight climate change, we need to take action now to prepare for increased wildfires and natural disasters. California faces growing threats from wildfires, floods, and other climate-driven disasters—and we must lead with preparation, not panic. California must invest in wildfire prevention, including vegetation management, firebreaks, and forest health. We must also strengthen emergency response systems, modernize evacuation routes, and support Cal Fire and local fire departments with the resources they need. Communities hit by disasters like the tragic fires in the Palisades and Altadena must also get the recovery support they deserve. My focus will be clear: protect lives, protect property, and make California more resilient for the long haul.</strong></p>

<h2>Protect Our Communities from Wildfire and Natural Disaster&nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>Climate change is not a distant threat—it’s here, and Californians are already living with its impacts, from record wildfires to severe droughts. While Donald Trump tries to take us backwards, California must continue to lead with urgency and ambition to reduce emissions, invest in clean energy, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. We must continue the transition to renewable power, support green jobs, and hold polluters accountable all while ensuring California continues to be our country’s economic engine. California can lead the nation—and the world—on climate action, while building a stronger, more sustainable economy that works for everyone.</strong></p>

<h2>Protect Our Future with Bold Climate Leadership</h2>

<p><strong>STOCKTON, CA</strong> — In case you missed it, <a href="https://toniatkins.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46901009d6fe3d1daca1580ae&amp;id=6dfc8ae982&amp;e=846e5c34dd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stocktonia</a> met up with Democratic Leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins on the eighth stop of her “Toni in Your Town” statewide tour in Stockton, CA. Atkins was joined by former Senator Susan Eggman.</p><p>Below are highlights from the article. Read the full piece <a href="https://toniatkins.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=46901009d6fe3d1daca1580ae&amp;id=0ddbcadc5b&amp;e=846e5c34dd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a></p><p><strong>On Atkins’ breadth of experience and ability to lead:</strong></p><p>“Former California State Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) endorsed Atkins, citing her depth of experience and legislative leadership.</p>

<h4>Stocktonia: “Toni in Your Town” Tour “Aims to Meet as Many People as Possible”</h4>

<p><strong>Tehama County, CA </strong>—Democratic Leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins kicked off her “Toni in Your Town” tour in Tehama County Wednesday night, packing a room in one of the most conservative parts of the state.</p><p>“We need a governor who understands what it means to balance a budget, lead responsibly, and focus on outcomes — not ideology,” <strong>Atkins said to the crowd.</strong> “I’m running because I know government works best when it’s focused on service, not showmanship. And I believe Californians are ready for a leader who will put results ahead of rhetoric.”</p>

<h4>TONI IN YOUR TOWN: Atkins Draws Major Crowd at First Statewide Tour Stop</h4>

<p><strong>California’s future depends on strong public schools. That starts with supporting the people who make education work: our educators. We must raise teacher salaries statewide so we can recruit and retain the best talent in every classroom. I’ll ensure schools get the funding they need to reduce class sizes, expand after-school programs, and give every student a real shot at success, no matter their zip code.</strong></p>

<h2>Invest in Our Students and Raise Teacher Pay</h2>

<p><strong>No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or a trip to the emergency room. Yet that's the reality many families face. This is made even worse by the Trump Administration as it tries to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, cut billions from Medi-Cal, and ban the right to choose if, when, and how to start a family. California must fight. But we can’t just focus on protecting our care. We must also increase the number of physicians and health care providers in California through better investment in training and recruitment from other states. California should also negotiate to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and other critical health care services.</strong></p>

<h2>Make Health Care a Human Right</h2>

<p><strong>SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The first time Toni Atkins acted as the governor of California</strong>, she used her powers to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/3aa284fa5c8d46e38231e359e0900133">honor the passing</a> of San Diego Padres baseball player Tony Gwynn while playfully rebuffing Jimmy Kimmel’s advice that she “ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-jimmy-kimmel-oregon-invasion-acting-california-governor-20140731-story.html">invade Oregon.</a> ”</p>

<h4>California’s first lesbian Senate leader could make history again if she runs for governor</h4>

<p><strong><span style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary)">In case you missed it, former Senate President pro Tempore and California gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins is a frontrunner in the wide-open, </span></strong>crowded race for the next California governor. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ss2mTZ6rlPhPOPKHXYts2GsfPdTfQSLY/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">A new analysis from California Target Book</a> places Atkins in the “top-tier” of viable Democratic gubernatorial candidates, citing her fundraising, cash on hand and early key endorsements.</p>

<h4>CA Target Book Analysis: Atkins Among “Top-Tier, Most Viable” Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates</h4>

<p><strong>Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, creating jobs, fueling innovation, and keeping our communities vibrant. Running a business is hard — and entrepreneurs deserve a government that works as hard as they do. Our next governor must ensure that small business owners are not only supported and empowered but also at the table where decisions are being made. That means investing in local growth, cutting through bureaucratic red tape,&nbsp; and making it easier for first-time and first-generation small business owners to access capital.</strong></p>

<h2>Support Our Small Businesses</h2>

<p><strong>BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX)</strong> — Former California state legislator Toni Atkins is ramping up her campaign to be the next governor with a listening tour in several cities.</p><p>Perhaps the candidate most familiar with Sacramento politics, Atkins visited Bakersfield in late August to drum up support in the Central Valley.</p><p>"This really is about public service," Atkins, a Democrat, said in an interview with Eyewitness News. "I am focused on the challenges of California."</p>

<h4>Toni Atkins ramps up campaign for CA governor with tour across the state</h4>

<p><strong>Toni Atkins is the only person in California to have served as both speaker of the Assembly and president of the Senate in the past 150 years.</strong> The San Diego Democrat has broken several glass ceilings as a woman and a lesbian. Will she try to break another by running for governor in 2026?</p>

<h4>She Broke 2 Glass Ceilings in Sacramento. Will She Try for 3?</h4>

<p><strong>SAN DIEGO</strong> - California Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins announced today before a crowd of hundreds in downtown San Diego that she will run for Governor...</p>

<h4>California Senate Leader Toni Atkins announces run to be California's next governor</h4>

<p><strong>SAN DIEGO — California's Democratic State Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins is officially running for governor in 2026, she announced at her campaign's first rally in San Diego Friday morning.</strong></p><p><strong>The announcement comes hours after she filed paperwork to run in the race to replace Gavin Newsom, who will term out at the end of 2026.</strong></p>

<h4>Toni Atkins launches campaign for California governor</h4>

<p>Outgoing state Senate leader Toni Atkins today<strong> </strong>became the latest high-ranking Democrat to declare their candidacy, holding a kickoff rally packed with union members in her hometown of San Diego.</p>

<h4>California picks its next governor in more than 1,000 days. Why the race is already so crowded</h4>

<p>Toni Atkins, former leader of both houses of the California legislature and candidate for governor, brought her campaign to Stockton on Sunday during a morning meet-and-greet, at the Weberstown Farmer’s Market. She was also publicly endorsed by an old friend from the state senate.</p><p>Atkins (D-San Diego) is calling her statewide campaign tour “Toni In Your Town,” which aims to meet as many people as possible, according to Communications Director Danni Wang. The farmer’s market was just one of many stops along her team’s path, with the tour stretching across California, starting in Red Bluff and working south to Riverside.</p>

<h4>Gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins makes swing through Stockton</h4>

<p>State Senate leader Toni Atkins is thinking seriously about running for governor of California. And hopefully she’ll enter the race.</p>

<h4>Hardscrabble trailblazer Toni Atkins would be an intriguing candidate for California governor</h4>

<p><strong>Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. As Governor, I will cut red tape and speed up the construction of new homes across the state. That means streamlining approvals, investing in infrastructure, and holding local governments accountable for meeting housing goals. California must balance smart growth with affordability — building homes where people want to live and can afford to stay</strong></p>

<h2>Tackle the Housing Crisis Head-On</h2>

<p><strong>Every Californian deserves to feel safe in their community and home. I support strong and fair public safety policies that make neighborhoods safer while building trust. We must invest in local law enforcement, support community-based crime prevention, and expand mental health and emergency response services to address the root causes of crime and keep Californians safe.</strong></p>

<h2>Keep Our Communities Safe</h2>

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<h4><p>TONI IN YOUR TOWN: Red Bluff</p><p>Democratic Central Committee &amp; CADEM Delegate Meet &amp; Greet</p></h4>

Red Bluff Tacos August 21

<p><strong>To my supporters:</strong></p><p>Growing up in rural Virginia, I was often reminded that I didn’t fit in — too country, too poor,<em> </em>too gay. But when I came to this state, I found something different: opportunity and acceptance.</p><p>Here, I was able to buy a home, marry my spouse and the love of my life Jennifer, and build a career in public service. California gave me everything.</p><p>I entered this race because I still believe in the promise of California — and I’ve spent my life trying to fulfill that promise for more Californians.</p>

<h4>Personal Letter From Toni</h4>

<p><strong>YOLO &amp; SUTTER COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA — </strong>On days three and four of her nine-day statewide tour, “Toni in Your Town,” Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins made stops across Yolo and Sutter counties, highlighting her deep commitment to California’s working families, rural communities, and democratic values.</p><p>On Friday in Woodland, Atkins met with local farmers to discuss the agricultural industry — a cornerstone of California’s economy, supporting 1.5 million livelihoods. In Winters, joined by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, she met with small business owners and local officials to discuss housing, health care, and economic equity.</p>

<h4>TONI IN YOUR TOWN: Atkins Builds Momentum in Yolo and Sutter Counties</h4>

<p><strong>California prides itself on diversity and inclusion, but to date, all its governors have been straight white men. </strong>That could change with the 2026 election, when Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, can’t run due to term limits — and the state could elect its first woman and first lesbian governor.</p>

<h4>Could Toni Atkins Be California's First Lesbian Governor?</h4>

<p><strong>Red Bluff, CA — </strong>On the second day of her statewide “Toni in Your Town” tour, Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins continued her outreach in Red Bluff, connecting with small businesses, key community organizations, and local Democratic leaders.</p><p>“I grew up in a rural community,” Atkins said. “I know what it’s like to be overlooked. People want a real connection with their government — and that starts with listening. It’s about your stories, and how they connect and intersect with what California’s next governor does.”</p>

<h4>TONI IN YOUR TOWN: Atkins Highlights Local Impact in Red Bluff Visit</h4>

<p>Toni Atkins who began her political career on the San Diego City Council and made history as the first woman to serve as both speaker of the Assembly and president pro tem of the Senate, announced her campaign Friday to succeed Gavin Newsom as Governor.</p>

<h4>It’s Official: Toni Atkins of San Diego Announces Bid for Governor of California in 2026</h4>

<p>SACRAMENTO —  Californians could do worse than elect veteran state Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.</p><p>Not that they should necessarily. <strong>But she’s worth serious consideration.</strong> Voters will have two years to size her up and decide before Newsom is termed out at the end of 2026.</p>

<h4>Atkins is prepared to lead California but faces a tough race for governor</h4>

<p>The burgeoning field to be California’s next governor grew even more crowded Friday as Toni Atkins, <strong>the San Diego Democrat who has held the state’s top legislative posts, launched a bid to succeed Gov Gavin. Newsom in 2026</strong>.</p>

<h4>California Senate leader aims to be the state’s first woman and LGBTQ+ governor</h4>

Toni Atkins is running for California Governor to continue her work uplifting and enhancing our state — and to ensure that the California Dream is accessible to everyone.

Toni Atkins for Governor 

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