Meet the 61 Candidates, Including Barack Obama Shaw and Thunder Parley, Competing for California Governor
California Gubernatorial Race Features Unusual Candidates
As the race for California’s governorship heats up, voters are encountering a ballot filled with 61 names, including some that are generating intrigue. This diverse list encompasses both prominent frontrunners and candidates who have withdrawn from the contest.
One name that stands out is Barack Obama Shaw, which prompted laughter from voter Daisy Pinedo when she mistakenly identified him as former President Barack Obama. “Barack Obama,” she chuckled while examining the ballot. Attempts by NBC Los Angeles to reach Shaw, who identifies as a business owner, were unsuccessful.
The lengthy ballot spans two pages and five columns, presenting challenges for voters trying to locate their preferred candidates. "I’m trying to find Thurmond, the person I was going to vote for," said voter Anna Williams as she sifted through the lengthy list.
Notably, the ballot includes candidates who have exited the race, such as Rep. Eric Swalwell and former State Treasurer Betty Yee. Their names remain due to the deadline for candidate removal having already passed.
To qualify for the ballot, candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered voters, and free of certain felony convictions. They also need to pay a filing fee or gather 6,000 valid signatures by a February deadline. All candidates, except for write-ins, must collect between 65 and 100 nomination signatures from registered California voters and file various official documents.
Names on the ballot are presented in a random order rather than alphabetically, adding to the potential confusion for voters. “I’m actually surprised. I had no idea there were that many people running,” Pinedo remarked.
The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office has urged voters to familiarize themselves with the ballot before casting their votes. “Don’t bubble in. Do research. At the end of the day, you need to know who you’re voting for and who you are putting in office when it comes to our governor,” Williams advised.
