Rob Bonta, the state’s Democratic Attorney General, was expected to vie to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom as governor in 2026. Bonta said Wednesday he’ll run for reelection instead.

PEOPLE MOVES — Speaking of Rob Bonta running for reelection as AG, veteran political consultants Courtni Pugh and Newman are now senior advisers to his campaign. Newman and Pugh are both Newsom alums, and Newman most recently ran the IE in support of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s successful campaign.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is staying out of the race to become California's next governor, a senior advisor to Bonta told KCRA 3 on Wednesday.In May 2023, Bonta said he was "seriously considering" a run for governor,

Bonta's decision could help clear the field for other potential candidates, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.