Public Policy Institute of California
5%4%3%2%1%0%
California Governor winner?
$34.7M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleHistorian
Political ideologyGreen
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
BackgroundHistorian
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EducationUniversity of Minnesota (undergraduate degree; year reported as 1991 and 1997 in different biographies)
Notable personal detailsRudolph "Butch" Ware III is an American historian and political candidate who has served as an associate professor of history at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was the Green Party of the United States' 2024 nominee for vice president as Jill Stein's running mate. Ware has been a candidate for Governor of California in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
butchware4gov.comen.wikipedia.orggp.orgthedp.comwikidata.orgballot-access.orgsfbayview.commachronicle.commendovoice.comcbsnews.comcagreens.orgplacercountyelections.govarchives.govthem.usindependentpoliticalreport.comcagreens.progts.orgtransparencyusa.orgsccgreens.orgyahoo.comkymkemp.comview.genially.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orgnga.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports steeply progressive state taxation and new taxes on wealth and vacant properties, closing commercial property tax loopholes (split-roll) and reducing regressive taxes while funding expanded public programs and public banking. Advocates large public spending programs for housing, healthcare (single-payer CalCare), living wages, and green job creation.
Healthcare
Supports a universal single-payer system (CalCare) guaranteeing comprehensive, free-at-point-of-service healthcare for every California resident with no premiums, copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. Seeks to implement CalCare as a statewide public program with broad benefits and patient choice of provider. Campaign materials frame healthcare as a human right and prioritize implementing universal coverage early in the administration.
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Immigration & Border
Supports ending California’s cooperation with ICE, ending transfers of state prisoners into ICE custody, and implementing policies to protect immigrant communities; favors providing free or affordable health care to all people living in the state, including undocumented immigrants. Emphasizes reducing enforcement cooperation and prioritizing inclusion and justice for immigrant communities.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate supports reproductive rights and access to abortion while indicating there should be some limits and regulations (he referenced a 16-week threshold in a past interview). He affirms support for safe, legal, and accessible abortion and frames restrictions as disproportionately harmful, while acknowledging common-sense limits.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive public ownership and rapid decarbonization measures including a statewide publicly-owned energy grid, banning new oil/gas drilling and fracking, capping inactive wells, investing in statewide renewable electric transit, and decommissioning nuclear facilities.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports enforcement of existing gun laws and policies that demilitarize police and reform the carceral system while prioritizing public-safety and restorative-justice approaches. Platform emphasizes policing reforms and upholding current firearm regulations rather than expanding or eliminating gun rights in absolute terms.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 20, 2026
Butch Ware is in the news because he sued California Secretary of State Shirley Weber after his gubernatorial candidacy paperwork was rejected over disputed tax return requirements. The case is about whether he can get on the ballot for the June 2026 primary. He is one of many candidates in a crowded California governor’s race that has drawn attention for internal Democratic tensions and the possibility of a Republican advantage.
butchware4gov.com+26
Articles
BTBloomberg Tax News22 days ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Sues State Over Ballot Snub
Neutral
TAThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution2 months ago
A messy California governor's race raises Democratic fears of potential loss
Neutral
VCVentura County Star2 months ago
What to know about newly certified California governor ballot lineup
Neutral
LALos Angeles Times2 months ago
Letters to the Editor: I’m a Democrat, but I would be more than open to a Republican governor
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising