2010 governor’s race shapes up

Gavin Newsom
Democrat
Age: 41

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom officially joined the race on April 21, 2009, via his Twitter feed.

In an interview, Newsom alluded to his support of gay marriage and universal healthcare. But he put greater emphasis on the economy, crediting his “entrepreneurial perspective,” and stating that “no teachers are getting laid off in San Francisco.”  (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Steve Poizner
Republican
Age: 52

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner formed an exploratory committee on Sept. 15, 2008, one day after state legislators ended the longest budget impasse in California history. “Serious reforms are needed to make our state government work again,” he said. Poizner also released a list of 21 GOP state lawmakers he said have endorsed him.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Jerry Brown
Democrat
Age: 71

The former California governor (1975 - 1982) has been telling associates he wants his old job back. When asked which Democrat had the best odds, Arnold Schwarzenegger went with Brown.  (Jakub Mosur / Associated Press)

Tom Campbell
Republican
Age: 56

Tom Campbell, with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a moderate in a party where conservatives are the dominant activists.  (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

Dianne Feinstein
Democrat
Age: 75

The wild card is Dianne Feinstein, widely considered to be the state’s most prominent Democrat, who friends say is debating whether to enter the race or remain an influential figure in Washington. She would vault to the head of the field, analysts say, but may be reluctant to leave the Senate with her party newly dominant in favor of a campaign to run a deficit-plagued state and deal with a polarized Legislature.  (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

WITHDRAWN:

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a Democrat, suspended his campaign on April 28, 2009. He will run for congress in California’s 10th congressional district.  (Ben Margot / Associated Press)

WITHDRAWN:

Antonio Villaraigosa
Democrat
Age: 56

The Los Angeles mayor told CNN on June 22nd that he will not run for governor, saying he will focus on his job in Los Angeles. The decision is expected to help Jerry Brown more than Gavin Newsom, some experts say.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)