Fundraising reports released at the start of this month reveal that state Sen. Toni Atkins outraised the other Democratic candidates for Governor in the first reporting period, raising over $1.6 million, according to her campaign.
The reporting period covers Jan. 1 through June 30 and the totals include what candidates have raised directly into their campaign committees.
Atkins raised $1,671,243, over $200,000 more compared to Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who raised $1,438,422, and over three and four times as much as former state Treasurer Betty Yee and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who raised $593,691 and $317,863 for their campaigns respectively.
Atkins announced her campaign for governor in January. The San Diego lawmaker’s platform focuses the California housing shortage and LGBTQ+ and abortion rights.
Prior to her campaign for governor, she served as the 69th Speaker of the state Assembly from 2014 to 2016, and then President pro tem of the state Senate. She has represented the 39th State Senate district covering coastal San Diego County since 2016.
The primary for governor to succeed Gavin Newsom will be held in March 2026.
