Jon Slavet, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, announced on Thursday that he will join the race for California’s next governor. In a move that could shake up California’s political landscape, Slavet aims to bring his expertise from the tech industry to the state’s government, which has been under Democratic control for years.
Why It Matters
California, the nation’s most populous state, has been a Democratic stronghold for nearly two decades. The last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, served from 2003 to 2011, and the state hasn’t elected a Republican to the governor’s office since.
A recent poll ahead of the 2026 primary shows Republican Chad Bianco leading the pack with 13% of the vote, followed closely by Republicans Steve Hilton and Democrat Eric Swalwell at 12% each, and Democrat Katie Porter at 11%.
California will elect a new governor in November 2026, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s term limit. The state uses a jungle primary system, where candidates from all political parties run on a single ballot. The top two vote-getters will move on to the general election.
What To Know
Slavet’s entrance into the race adds another layer of competition for California’s top political seat. He is positioning himself as a problem solver, drawing on his background as an entrepreneur and tech CEO. In a statement to CNN, he expressed his frustration with California’s state government, which he described as “bloated” and “dysfunctional.”
Slavet’s background includes co-founding Guru.com, a website that connects companies with high-tech workers, and Sentral.com, a platform focused on high-end housing. His entrepreneurial success and experience in the tech sector are key parts of his campaign, positioning him as a candidate capable of modernizing California’s governmental operations.
Slavet’s Stance on Key Issues
Energy Policy and Costs
One of Slavet’s main talking points is the state’s high electricity bills, which he attributes to California’s “constrained energy policy.” He advocates for increasing energy production, including oil, while still protecting the environment, in order to reduce costs for consumers.
Housing Market
Slavet also emphasized the importance of unleashing the private sector to help address California’s housing crisis. He argues that market-driven solutions will provide more affordable housing and stimulate economic growth in the state.
On Donald Trump
When asked about his support for President Donald Trump, Slavet praised Trump for shaking up American politics, describing him as “brilliant” and “brash.” He noted that while he would welcome Trump’s endorsement, his focus will be on running California “our own way.”
Slavet said, “We need to run California our way, and my background is uniquely well-suited to doing that.”
What People Are Saying
Slavet has expressed confidence that a Republican candidate can win in California’s 2026 election. In an interview, he said: “The most important thing to look at is who can actually win, a Republican, in November…I believe that I can.”
The California gubernatorial primary election will take place on June 2, 2026. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Slavet’s entry into the race has sparked interest among voters looking for change in the state’s leadership.
