Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis Launches Campaign for California Governor

Eleni Kounalakis taking the oath of office, administered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to serve a second term as California lieutenant governor in Sacramento on Jan. 2, 2023. Courtesy of the Office of Gavin Newsom

California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is aiming to become the state’s first female governor after announcing her campaign to run for California governor on Monday.

“Today I’m launching my campaign to become the next Governor of the great state of CA. My family & I owe everything to our state. I will fight fiercely to make sure EVERY Californian has the chance to walk the path of the CA dream just like I have, ”Kounalakis said in a Twitter post.

California will elect a new governor in 2026, as the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, is serving his second term after being reelected in November after a failed recall to remove him from office.

The state’s constitution has a two-term limit for California governors, which means the race to fill Newsom’s spot is expected to be filled with various candidates in 2026.

Kounalakis regularly serves as acting governor when Newsom leaves the state. She was first elected to her current position alongside Newsom in 2018 and won her reelection in 2022.

“As the world’s soon-to-be fourth-largest economy, California punches above its weight on the international stage and boasts deep economic, cultural, and historical ties to diverse regions around the globe,” Newsom said in a statement on Dec. 30, 2022, when he redesignated her.

“Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis has been a critical partner in advancing the state’s interests abroad and I thank her for her leadership in ensuring that we continue to strengthen our global partnerships to drive economic growth and prosperity in California and beyond.”

Lt. Gov. of California Eleni Kounalakis speaks onstage during EMILYs List's 2023 Pre-Oscars Breakfast at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. on March 7, 2023. Araya Doheny/Getty Images for EMILYs List

Kounalakis, 57, is the child of Greek immigrant parents and lives in San Francisco with her husband. They have two sons.

She was ambassador to Hungary in the Obama administration from 2010 to 2013. Former governor Jerry Brown appointed her to chair the California Advisory Council for International Trade and Investment in 2014 before she was lieutenant governor.

“As a proud mother, daughter, advocate, and leader, I know the struggles Californians face and have the experience and grit to bring meaningful change to my beloved home state," Kounalakis said in a message to her supporters.

“I will fight fiercely to build a future where everyone regardless of race, class, or immigration status, and has the same chance and opportunity that my family and I had.”

Other potential candidates could include state Senate President pro-Tempore Toni Atkins and state Attorney General Rob Bonta, among others who have not commented on their decision to officially enter the race.

The Epoch Times reached out to other potential candidates for comment but did not hear back before this article was published.