Ian Calderon Launches Bid for California Governor in 2026

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: September 24, 2025

Key Takeaways

Ian Calderon, a former Assembly member, is running for California governor in 2026 as Newsom nears the end of his final term;
Calderon's campaign focuses on lowering living costs and promoting Bitcoin as part of a tech-forward approach to state governance;
He proposes that California hold Bitcoin in reserves and use it in public programs, citing outdated leadership in modern finance.

Don't miss out - BYDFi new user bonus is now LIVE! Join BYDFi & unlock up to $2,000 in rewards. Claim Bonus! 🎁

BITDEGREE IN YOUR SOCIAL FEED

Ian Calderon, a former member of California’s State Assembly, has launched a campaign to become the state’s next governor.

His announcement marks the beginning of a competitive race as voters prepare to choose a successor to Governor Gavin Newsom, who will leave office in 2026 due to term limits.

In a September 23 post on X, Calderon shared that his campaign will prioritize lowering everyday expenses such as housing, food, and fuel.

What is Chainlink? LINK Explained Simply (ANIMATED)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

He also stated that digital innovation, especially Bitcoin BTC $113,337.79 , will be a central theme of his platform.

Speaking about younger generations and their use of modern tools, Calderon pointed out that while many people rely on mobile apps for payments and digital assets for savings, current leaders are still using outdated approaches.

Calderon’s emphasis on Bitcoin comes at a time when political interest in cryptocurrency is on the rise. First elected in 2012 at age 27, Calderon was the youngest lawmaker in the California Legislature at the time.

During his eight-year tenure, he took a lead role in exploring blockchain policy. He helped establish California’s Blockchain Working Group, which developed early ideas for how the state could use this technology.

As part of his campaign messaging, Calderon has suggested that California should hold Bitcoin in its reserves. In a livestream on X, he promised to push for this decision if elected governor. He also proposed allowing Bitcoin to be used for certain state-run programs.

Meanwhile, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is working on a proposal called an "innovation exemption". What is it? Read the full story.