Emerson College
5%4%3%2%1%0%
California Governor winner? (Person)
$49.2M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleDeputy Secretary for Strategic Planning and Equity, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
LocationCalifornia
BackgroundDeputy Secretary for Strategic Planning and Equity, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency
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Notable personal detailsMichael L. Younger is a California gubernatorial candidate and a Democrat. He has worked in California state government, including serving as Deputy Secretary for Strategic Planning and Equity at the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency after being appointed in 2019. His professional background also includes roles at the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the California Department of Insurance, and AT&T Mobility.
SourcesShowHide
michaellyounger.comgov.ca.govcalmatters.orgvoterguide.sos.ca.govsos.ca.goven.wikipedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdp.electionresults.sos.ca.govusvotefoundation.orgballotclarity.orgwikizero.orgspider.clouddata.ballotpedia.orgsenate.ca.govcalpers.ca.govcourts.delaware.govbgcmc.orgreaganlibrary.govcalbright.eduthegreenpapers.comcat-tuatara-kl4x.squarespace.comveripages.comsignalhire.comtemplehealth.orghealthy.kaiserpermanente.orgdoctors.adventisthealth.orgopenpayrolls.comeverydayhealth.carecongress.govfurm.comsimplecontacts.comfacebook.comdesertsun.comhellomagazine.comdailycaller.comballotpedia.orgpro.stateaffairs.cominstagram.comsfbg.comporac.orgindependent.comfec.govgovinfo.govwikidata.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgballotready.orgfrontpage.ballotpedia.orghistory.house.govcdn.ballotpedia.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare for medically underserved Californians, including strengthening Medi‑Cal access and investing in mental health and community health services. Emphasizes enhancing support services for low‑income residents and children to improve health and wellbeing.
Climate & Energy
Supports sustainability across energy, transportation, and agriculture and prioritizes investments to enhance California’s climate resilience and environmental justice, with attention to impacts on low-income communities. Advocates policies that protect the environment while promoting economic growth and targeted climate investments to increase resilience.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Michael Younger is in the news as one of the candidates in the crowded 2026 California governor’s race. Recent coverage says the field has been certified and remains highly competitive, with Democrats split among many contenders and Republicans polling strongly enough to raise the possibility of a GOP upset. The race has also been shaped by candidate clashes, pressure on weaker Democrats to drop out, and debate and forum appearances on issues like antisemitism, immigration, and housing.
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Articles
VCVentura County Star4 months ago
What to know about newly certified California governor ballot lineup
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VCVentura County Star4 months ago
California governor race gears up with March debate. How to watch
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TNThe New York Times5 months ago
Infighting Begins Among Democratic Candidates for California Governor
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KKABC-TV4 months ago
California governor's race: Gavin Newsom among Democrats concerned about crowded field
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Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising