In California’s 2026 governor race, no major candidate backs cash reparations, with only Tony Thurmond proposing loan-based support, while others oppose or avoid the issue.

In the 2026 California gubernatorial race, no major candidate has endorsed direct cash reparations for Black residents, despite national attention on racial justice. Only Tony Thurmond proposed a reparations plan, focusing on loans for business, education, and homeownership. Governor Gavin Newsom, who vetoed key reparations bills, supports lineage research but opposes cash payments. Other candidates avoided clear stances or opposed reparations, emphasizing education and diversity instead. The future of California’s reparations efforts remains uncertain.