In a crowded race for California Governor, Toni Atkins receives new endorsements

Sep 6, 2025 - 07:00

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) — Democrat gubernatorial candidate and former San Diego State Senator Toni Atkins announced several endorsements from state Democratic leadership on Friday.

Atkins is currently polling at 1% as voters' first choice candidate, according to a Berkley Institute of Governmental Studies poll. However, experts state there is still no clear frontrunner.

The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus endorsed Atkins for her leadership and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Atkins has served both in the State Assembly and State Senate, being the first openly lesbian legislator to serve as speaker of the assembly and the first LGBTQ+ woman to serve as senate pro tempore

“She’s opened doors for so many while advancing justice and equity for all,” California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Chris Ward said in a press release. “The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus is proud to endorse Toni Atkins for Governor because we need a leader who’s lived our struggles, earned our trust, and will fight with heart and conviction for our future.”

The former state senator also received endorsements from State Senators Tom Umberg and Bob Archuleta as well as Assemblymembers Jacqui Irwin, Tina McKinnor and Gail Pellerin.

Archuleta and Umberg, both veterans, expressed support for Atkins' bid for governor over her support of veterans and people in service.

“As a U.S. Army veteran, I know firsthand the importance of strong, principled leadership, and Toni exemplifies that,” Archuleta said.

In a crowded campaign, Democratic Representative Katie Porter still leads in the race, polling around 17% as voter’s first choice. Porter is followed by Republican and Sheriff of Riverside County Chad Bianco, polling around 10%.

FILE - Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., waves at supporters at an election night party, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif. Porter built a social media reputation by wielding a white board at congressional hearings, and that helped propelled her campaign for the Senate. But on Super Tuesday, the numbers didn't add up for her in the primary and she'll be out of a job in Washington come January. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

On Thursday, Porter received an endorsement from Teamsters California — a union representing 250,000 workers, including thousands in the greater San Diego area.

“Teamsters across our state are ready for a governor who stands with working people,” Teamsters Co-Chairs Chris Griswold and Peter Finn said in a news release. “Katie Porter will address the affordability crisis, preserve good jobs in our communities, and fight back against Big Tech’s assault on workers’ livelihoods.”

Assemblymember Pellerin is backing Atkins for her record of supporting “working families” and a “brighter future.”

“Toni puts people first,” Pellerin said. “I am honored to endorse her run for Governor because I know she will fight for everyone, no matter their background.”

Assemblymember Mckinnor shared that she is endorsing Atkins for her ability to face the current political tensions between leadership in California and the White House.

“She’s the kind of leader who stands firm in the face of pressure and political posturing,” McKinnor said. “At a time when Donald Trump and Washington Republicans are undermining our democracy, threatening immigrant communities, and ignoring the rule of law, California needs someone with the courage and experience to push back.”

Voters will be able to cast their ballots in the California primaries on June 2, 2026, and in the general election Nov. 8, 2026.