Today, State Senate President pro-Tempore announced she is running for governor in 2026. She is in her last term in the Senate and has also termed out of the California Assembly and San Diego’s City Council.

She launched her campaign at a rally at the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park.

“It’s never been my ambition to ‘be’ governor. But it is my intention to serve as governor,” Atkins told the crowd.

In recent columns, she has written about embodying the “California Dream” as the daughter of a miner in West Virginia who found success on the West Coast. This was the theme of her speech, saying she found her dream in serving others as they achieved their dreams.

“You shouldn’t have to be a millionaire to make it in California. You should only have to have a dream — and people who care enough to help you reach it,” Atkins said.

Atkins grew up in poverty so has spent much of her career advocating for affordable housing alongside women’s rights and LGBT+ rights.

Already, the race is competitive to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom two years from now, with many hoping to be California’s first woman governor. Her competitors so far held statewide office, although more candidates are expected to enter closer to 2026.

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis was the first to announce her run and is in a position where often California’s next governor occupies. Former Controller Betty Yee is running as well as Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Attorney General Rob Bonta also said he considering seeking the governorship.

Atkins has never run for statewide office despite her high position in California’s legislature. As she finishes her final term as a state senator this year, she will lose her platform to reach voters and funders but have more time to devote to the campaign.

(Photo courtesy Bryan Giardinelli/[email protected])