Public Policy Institute of California
5%4%3%2%1%0%
2028 Green Presidential nominee
$3.0K
NOV 7, 2028
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleAssociate professor of history
Political ideologyGreen
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
BackgroundAssociate professor of history
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EducationUniversity of Minnesota (BA, 1997)
Notable personal detailsRudolph "Butch" T. Ware III is an American academic historian and hip hop artist who is an associate professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He was the Green Party vice presidential nominee in 2024 on the Jill Stein ticket. Ware launched a 2026 campaign for Governor of California and has run as a write-in candidate.
SourcesShowHide
butchware4gov.comhistory.ucsb.edugp.orgen.wikipedia.orgtransparencyusa.orgcalonews.comcurrentaffairs.orgoaklandvoices.uscagreens.orgballot-access.orgsfbayview.comkeyt.comedhat.combloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.comapnews.comreddit.comtehama.govalamedacounty.granicus.comcbsnews.comthem.usindependentpoliticalreport.comcagreens.progts.orgsccgreens.orgyahoo.comkymkemp.comview.genially.cominstagram.comfacebook.comwsws.orgdesertsun.comocregister.comlaprogressive.comrecordnet.comorangejuiceblog.comcalmatters.orgballotpedia.orgsacbee.comballotready.orgnga.orgfec.govwikidata.orgcongress.govcdn.ballotpedia.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 updatedJul 15, 2026
Butch Ware is in the news because he is running in California’s 2026 gubernatorial primary and has been part of a crowded Democratic field. He recently sued Secretary of State Shirley Weber after his ballot paperwork was rejected over disputed tax return requirements, putting his ballot access in federal court. The race itself remains unsettled, with Democrats worried that a split field could help Republicans advance in the top-two primary system.
butchware4gov.com+42
Articles
BTBloomberg Tax News3 months ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Sues State Over Ballot Snub
Neutral
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat1 month ago
What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa
Neutral
TAThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution4 months ago
A messy California governor's race raises Democratic fears of potential loss
Neutral
VCVentura County Star4 months ago
What to know about newly certified California governor ballot lineup
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor winner?
Endorsers of Butch Ware for California Governor winner?
Green Party of California
Elected official
Green Party of California endorsed Butch Ware for governor of California.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising