The office of Governor is the most powerful in the state, but at the same time, the governor’s powers are limited by what legislation passes the state legislature for the governor to approve or veto. Candidates may propose grand plans such as universal healthcare but those plans are little more than hot air unless can get the legislature to define specifics and funding for the plans, or in rare cases, via public initiative. The governor can use budget suggestions and the bully pulpit to promote his or her ideas but must have the political skills in Sacramento to govern effectively. Many administrative functions are constrained by state law but an important part of the governor’s job is to select effective administrators and appointees to various boards such as the Public Utilities Commission or Coastal Commission.
Race Synopsis
This race has drawn national attention and experienced dramatic shifts following the flameout of Eric Swalwell. Tom Steyer has spent a huge amount of his money but recent polls show a nearly dead heat between Becerra, Hilton and Steyer. Earlier this year there was concern that the field of democrats would be so fragmented that the top two candidates would be republicans but since Trump endorsed Hilton, Bianco’s polling numbers have faded to the point where one of the leading democrats will likely make the top two.