The article provides a comprehensive overview of California’s statewide executive offices that voters will decide in the 2026 election, beyond the high-profile governor’s race.

It explains that while much attention is focused on replacing Governor Gavin Newsom, several other key positions in Sacramento play essential roles in state governance, often with less public visibility but significant administrative and regulatory responsibilities.The guide outlines the duties of each major office.

The attorney general serves as California’s top law enforcement official and has become increasingly prominent in legal battles with federal policies.

The state treasurer manages investment funds, including the Pooled Money Investment Account, and oversees financing for infrastructure, education, housing, and environmental projects.The secretary of state administers elections, manages campaign finance oversight, and handles business filings and voter information.The controller acts as the state’s chief fiscal watchdog, auditing government agencies to ensure accountability and transparency in public spending.

Other offices include the lieutenant governor, who would assume the governorship if needed and serves on key educational governing boards, and the insurance commissioner, who regulates home, auto, and other insurance markets—an increasingly important role amid wildfire-related insurance crises in California.The state superintendent of public instruction oversees education policy and provides leadership for California’s school system.The article also highlights the competitive nature of these races, noting multiple candidates across party lines in several contests.

It emphasizes that while these positions may lack the visibility of the governor’s office, they significantly influence daily life in California through oversight of elections, financial systems, education, and insurance markets.