Emerson College
5%4%3%2%1%0%
California Governor winner?
$46.6M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current rolePublic sector executive (State of California)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
LocationCalifornia
BackgroundPublic sector executive (State of California)
Show moreShow less
EducationStevenson School (Pebble Beach, California) (scholarship; graduate)
Notable personal detailsMichael L. Younger is a Democratic candidate for Governor of California in the 2026 election cycle. He has worked in both the private sector and California state government, including roles at the California Department of Insurance, CalPERS, and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. His campaign biography highlights that he was born in Central California and raised on the Monterey Peninsula, and that he attended the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. He is married to a woman named Sabrina and they have two children.
SourcesShowHide
michaellyounger.comlinkedin.comgov.ca.govgovernors.library.ca.govlanacion.com.aren.wikipedia.orgcalmatters.digitaldemocracy.orgmirrorindy.orgcaselaw.findlaw.comlibrary.ucsc.eduopencampaign.comjoincalifornia.comlatimes.comreaganlibrary.govwashingtonpost.comriponsociety.orgvig.cdn.sos.ca.govjudicatewest.comcalbright.eduthegreenpapers.comcat-tuatara-kl4x.squarespace.comveripages.comsignalhire.comtemplehealth.orghealthy.kaiserpermanente.orgdoctors.adventisthealth.orgopenpayrolls.comeverydayhealth.carecongress.govfurm.comsimplecontacts.comdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgdonate.ballotpedia.orgballotready.orghistory.house.govnga.orggovinfo.govdocs.house.govwikidata.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgruiz.house.gov
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 updatedJun 12, 2026
Michael Younger is one of the candidates in the crowded 2026 California governor’s race, which has drawn attention because the Democratic field is split and polls have shown Republicans with a chance to advance. Recent coverage has focused on the race’s competitiveness, the certified primary ballot, and concerns that too many Democratic candidates could help Republicans in the top-two primary system. He was also among the candidates who took part in a recent Jewish community forum on issues including antisemitism, immigration, and California’s ties with Israel.
michaellyounger.com+42
Articles
VCVentura County Star3 months ago
What to know about newly certified California governor ballot lineup
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VCVentura County Star3 months ago
California governor race gears up with March debate. How to watch
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TNThe New York Times3 months ago
Infighting Begins Among Democratic Candidates for California Governor
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KKABC-TV3 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