Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has ended her 2026 gubernatorial bid and will instead run for treasurer.
Kounalakis, a San Francisco resident who is the first woman to serve as lieutenant governor, said in a statement she felt she could make the greatest impact on “California’s financial future” in the treasurer’s office.
“This decision was not made lightly. Over the course of my campaign for governor, I have had the opportunity to engage with Californians across the state — listening to their concerns, hopes, and ideas for a stronger, more equitable future,” Kounalakis said in a statement. “I believe I can make the greatest impact by focusing on California’s financial future.”…