Toni G. Atkins

California, though my campaign for governor is coming to an end, the fight continues. Thank you.

California Native American Day recognizes the Native American tribes that were here long before California became a state.  It is critical that we uplift Native voices and work alongside them to address the issues facing indigenous people in California, from economic opportunity and development to the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women crisis.

I’m wishing a Happy and Sweet New Year to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah! Shana Tova!

Great to meet with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters & Local 951 in Riverside, CA! My father was a construction worker - but he didn’t have the protection of a union. Like my dad, the Carpenters build bridges - but they also build lives for working families. That’s why I’m determined to be a pro-worker Governor.

On POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the people in uniform who went missing or were captured while serving our country. I’m thinking about my uncle, who was a POW in WWII, and all the servicemembers and families who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

I appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2014 as acting governor. Jimmy was, as expected, funny and sharp — but more importantly, he was kind. ABC’s decision to suspend him indefinitely, seemingly to appease Donald Trump, is chilling. We've seen where this kind of political pressure leads. My father fought fascism in WWII. I won’t stay silent either.

As a young LGBTQ+ person in the 70s and 80s, I remember the devastation of the AIDS epidemic – and the government’s inaction. I lost family members to AIDS. In July, the Trump Administration cut $1.5 billion from CDC HIV prevention programs. These cuts put lives at risk and set back our efforts to prevent the spread of these diseases. We cannot go backwards. Funding MUST be restored and expanded.

California’s culture and history has been shaped by our vibrant Latino communities - the same communities that are facing racially motivated, inhumane attacks from the federal government. As we celebrate the achievements of Latino leaders, we also pledge to stand in solidarity with them against these attacks on their human and civil rights.

If you know me, you know I love country music - and there’s no better place to celebrate it than Bakersfield. This city helped shape the iconic “Bakersfield Sound,” thanks to legends like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Honored to celebrate where that legacy began - especially on Country Music Day.

Congratulations to the honorees at the John S. Lyons Memorial Celebration! Each year, we remember the legacy of Johnny Lyons, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 36, and honor the champions who are continuing to push for workers’ rights.

You hear a lot that young people are our future. I actually think young people are our today. Great to chat with @sacyoungdems about my vision as governor.

The tragedies of 9/11 remain vivid in my mind. I know there is still so much grief for those we lost that day, and the many we have lost since in the war against terrorism.  My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones that day. #NeverForget

Violence has no place in our politics or in our schools. We settle our differences at the ballot box and through peaceful demonstration.

People shouldn’t be forced to drive hours and hours just to get the care they need. Now this reality is exacerbated in communities all across California with Washington Republicans passing their Big Bullshit Bill. Californians will pay with their lives. calmatters.org/health/2025/09…

Today is the 175th anniversary of California’s statehood. From our 482 cities to our 58 counties, each community tells a part of California’s story. For Toni in Your Town, I visited cities and towns across the Golden State – from Winters and Yuba City to Bakersfield and Riverside – and talked to voters about their concerns and their hopes for our state. I might not be able to meet all 40 million people in California during my campaign – but I’m sure going to try!

I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and former CA Democratic Party Chair John Burton. A fearless champion for the voiceless, a mentor to many, and a true giant in progressive politics. My heart goes out to his family and the countless lives he touched. His memory is a blessing and a reminder to keep fighting.

The first leg of Toni in Your Town wrapped up one week ago! Scenes from Modesto, Bakersfield, and Riverside - where we met with local labor leaders, visited small businesses, and toured a milk processing plant. Stay tuned for more Toni in Your Town stops 👀

🚨 Endorsement Alert! 🚨 Honored to have the support of these trusted leaders and champions for working families across California! Together, we’re fighting to bring down costs, protect our rights, and deliver real results for every community. Let’s get to work!

On Labor Day, we thank workers and the unions that support & advocate for them! The labor movement has achieved victories including higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces - but we have more work to do to ensure all workers can thrive. As the federal government threatens long-held worker protections, California needs a pro-worker Governor.

Had a great time in Yolo, Sutter, and San Joaquin Counties! I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk to voters about their experiences, their concerns, and their hopes for a brighter future for their families and the Golden State.