US EditionLt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis drops bid for California governor, will run for treasurer
CALIFORNIA, AUG 8 – Eleni Kounalakis shifts focus to state treasurer role aiming to leverage her fundraising and political experience after polling placed her behind in the governor's race.
- Friday morning, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis announced she is dropping out of the governor’s race, citing a difficult decision.
- Last Wednesday, former Vice President Kamala Harris said she would not run, creating a vacuum other Democrats are rushing to fill, polling showed Kounalakis trailing.
- Having raised millions for her governor bid, Kounalakis plans to transfer most funds to her treasurer campaign, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and strategic investment.
- Having served as lieutenant governor since 2018 and reelected in 2022, Kounalakis’s pivot to treasurer reflects the office’s history as a launchpad for governors like Newsom and Gray Davis.
39 Articles
39 Articles
The Mercury news
East Bay TimesLibby Schaaf drops out of 2026 state treasurer race after Kounalakis drops in
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Eleni Kounalakis decided not to go ahead with the idea of becoming governor California
Lt. Governor Kounalakis Abandons California Governor's Race
Eleni Kounalakis will not be running for governor of California. Instead, she will run for Treasurer. Credit: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0 California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis has officially ended her campaign for governor, announcing on August 8 that she will instead be running for California State Treasurer in 2026. This decision marks a significant change from her earlier stance this year, including a campaign launch…
Kounalakis Exits California Governor's Race
YouTube @ KCRA 3 Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis has exited the California governor’s race to run for state treasurer in 2026, citing a focus on the state’s financial future. Her decision comes after polling indicated she was trailing behind other candidates. Kounalakis joins a crowded treasurer’s race. She says she will focus on affordable housing and clean energy investments.
Cal Matters
Kounalakis becomes latest Democrat to drop run for governor
In summary Kounalakis was trailing in polling and fundraising in a crowded field of Democrats seeking to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom when he is termed out next year. Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, the first boldfaced name to jump into the 2026 governor’s race more than two years ago, has dropped out and will run for state treasurer instead. “At this moment, I believe I can make the greatest impact by focusing on California’s financial future,” she sai…
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