Current:Home > StocksFormer state Controller Betty Yee announces campaign for California governor-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Former state Controller Betty Yee announces campaign for California governor
View Date:2024-12-23 19:24:56
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s former Controller Betty Yee announced Wednesday she will run for governor in 2026, vying to succeed outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom against other major Democratic contenders in what will be the first open race for the state’s top office since 2018.
If elected, Yee would be the first woman to become California’s governor. She is a San Francisco native born to Chinese immigrant parents.
Yee, who currently serves as vice chair of the California Democratic Party, says she wants to tackle affordability, bring transparency to Sacramento and address the climate crisis.
“Things in California just don’t add up anymore. Families are working harder than ever, but the cost of housing, food, college, childcare, elder care, and more is moving out of our reach,” Yee said in a statement. “Together we have the grit and the power to make California add up for all of us again.”
The race to replace Newsom, who terms out in 2027, will be a Democratic free-for-all sure to attract the party’s top talent for the chance to lead the nation’s most populous state and the world’s fifth largest economy.
Yee will have to compete in an extremely diverse pool of candidates for a post that has mostly been held by white men. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who is Black, and outgoing state Senate leader Toni Atkins, a lesbian lawmaker, have all announced their candidacies. Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is Filipino, has said he is seriously considering a run.
Yee served as the budget director for Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. She was then elected as a member of the California State Board of Equalization and then as state controller. California controller is responsible for disbursing state funds, auditing government agencies and serving on more than 70 boards and commissions.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- Deion Sanders doubles down on vow to 99-year-old Colorado superfan
- Kia, Subaru, Ford, among 551,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- Tate McRae Addresses Rumors She Was Justin Bieber's Backup Dancer
- Maroon 5 was right: Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger still has the 'Moves Like Jagger' at 80
- Opinion: Chris Wallace leaves CNN to go 'where the action' is. Why it matters
- As US traffic fatalities fall, distracted drivers told to 'put the phone away or pay'
- Sean “Diddy” Combs Celebrates Easter With Daughter Love in First Message After Raids
- U.N. military observers, Lebanese interpreter wounded while patrolling southern Lebanese border, officials say
- SNL's Chloe Fineman Says Rude Elon Musk Made Her Burst Into Tears as Show Host
- Clark leads Iowa back to the Final Four. Undefeated South Carolina will be there, too
Ranking
- Rafael dissolves into a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico after hitting Cuba as a hurricane
- Person is diagnosed with bird flu after being in contact with cows in Texas
- Jerrod Carmichael's vulnerable chat with Tyler, the Creator about his crush goes viral
- Kylie Kelce Weighs in on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s “Amazing” Relationship
- Brian Austin Green Shares Message to Sharna Burgess Amid Ex Megan Fox's Baby News
- One dead, 5 wounded in shooting at Easter brunch in Nashville restaurant
- Here’s how to protect yourself from common scams this tax season
- Khloe Kardashian Ditches Her Blonde Look for Fiery Red Hair Transformation
Recommendation
-
South Carolina does not set a date for the next execution after requests for a holiday pause
-
Amid Haiti’s spiraling violence, Florida residents worry about family, friends in the island nation
-
Tucson police officer dies in car crash while responding to service call, department says
-
1 killed, 7 hurt after Nashville coffee shop shooting on Easter, gunman remains at large
-
Tropical Storm Sara threatens to bring flash floods and mudslides to Central America
-
Jerrod Carmichael Shares Update on Tyler the Creator Friendship After Chaotic Chat Goes Viral
-
Doja Cat responds to comments mocking a photo of her natural hair texture: 'Let's stop'
-
Most of us want to live to 100. Wait until you hear how much that retirement costs.