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To my supporters:

Growing up in rural Virginia, I was often reminded that I didn’t fit in — too country, too poor, too gay. But when I came to this state, I found something different: opportunity and acceptance.

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.

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.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Former California state legislator Toni Atkins is ramping up her campaign to be the next governor with a listening tour in several cities.

Perhaps the candidate most familiar with Sacramento politics, Atkins visited Bakersfield in late August to drum up support in the Central Valley.

"This really is about public service," Atkins, a Democrat, said in an interview with Eyewitness News. "I am focused on the challenges of California."

STOCKTON, CA — In case you missed it, Stocktonia 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.

Below are highlights from the article. Read the full piece here.

On Atkins’ breadth of experience and ability to lead:

“Former California State Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) endorsed Atkins, citing her depth of experience and legislative leadership.

Riverside, CA — 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.

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.

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.

YOLO & SUTTER COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA — 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.

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.

RED BLUFF, CA — In case you missed it, Democratic leader and gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins spoke with KRCR 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.

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.

Red Bluff, CA — 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.

“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.”

Tehama County, CA —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.

“We need a governor who understands what it means to balance a budget, lead responsibly, and focus on outcomes — not ideology,” Atkins said to the crowd. “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.”

Tour kicks off on Aug. 20 in Red Bluff, Calif., with stops across state. 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.

Atkins spoke about the reasons behind the tour: "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."

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.

Standing alongside Atkins were Congressman Scott Peters, Mayor Todd Gloria, State Senator Steve Padilla, Assemblymember Chris Ward, County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, Chairwoman Erica Pinto of the Jamul Indian Village of California, Jesse Garcia of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Cori Schumacher representing IBEW Local 569.

In case you missed it, former Senate President pro Tempore and California gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins is a frontrunner in the wide-open, crowded race for the next California governor. A new analysis from California Target Book places Atkins in the “top-tier” of viable Democratic gubernatorial candidates, citing her fundraising, cash on hand and early key endorsements.

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, bringing in $1.6 million between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year.

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).

Atkins’ $1.6 million haul leads all candidates in 2024 fundraising for Governor

 San Diego, CA – Fundraising reports just released show that Toni Atkins out-raised all other candidates in the first reporting period since announcing her historic campaign for Governor earlier this year. Atkins raised more than $1.6 million over the period, which is more than any of the other candidates. Atkins has received more than $4 million in total contributions in the race to be California’s next Governor. 

SACRAMENTO — Californians could do worse than elect veteran state Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Not that they should necessarily. But she’s worth serious consideration. Voters will have two years to size her up and decide before Newsom is termed out at the end of 2026.

State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) announced a 2026 run for California governor 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.

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.

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.

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

State Senate leader Toni Atkins is running for governor in 2026, 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.

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

SAN DIEGO - 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.

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.

The nation’s most populous state could elect a lesbian governor in 2026.

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.

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

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. 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?

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

California prides itself on diversity and inclusion, but to date, all its governors have been straight white men. 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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The first time Toni Atkins acted as the governor of California, she used her powers to honor the passing of San Diego Padres baseball player Tony Gwynn while playfully rebuffing Jimmy Kimmel’s advice that she “ invade Oregon. ”