For now, the rumors about a potential Sen. Alex Padilla for California governor run are just that, rumors.

But they’ve certainly got Democratic operatives and consultants talking — even as Padilla and his camp remain loudly mum on the possibility.

Related: These are the candidates for California governor in 2026

The focus for California’s senior senator , said Padilla spokesperson Edgar Rodriguez when asked about the gubernatorial rumors on Wednesday, remains on California’s upcoming special election on redistricting. That’s been the party line in the past few weeks , since the rumor mill really started churning, and what Padilla himself has said in recent interviews .

That’s not a confirmation of a 2026 candidacy — but it’s certainly not a firm no either.

That’s part becaus

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