Jerry Brown

Scion of one of the state's most prominent political families, Jerry Brown has come to symbolize California itself — often strange to outsiders but occasionally cutting edge. He has gone from committed progressive to pragmatist as mayor of Oakland, probably the most down-to-the-ground job he has held in his storied career. Only a year ago, he married for the first time, and some say he mellowed. But he's preaching law and order as he runs for a law-and-order job.